Ron Johnson, 80, of Mill Shoals passed away at 2:16 AM on Saturday February 3, 2024, at Deaconess Gateway Hospital in Newburgh IN. He was born in Mill Shoals on June 25, 1943, to Norbert “Bud” Blackford and Nola (Hon) Johnson. Ron grew up on the family farm in Mill Shoals. He graduated from Mills Prairie High before attending DeVry in Chicago. Ron served in the US Army and was stationed in Korea. Upon return, he started his family and is the proud Daddy of his two girls, Shay and Jen. He was an amazing father and grandfather to his granddaughter, Gia. Ron lived in Texas and Arizona before returning to the family farm after retiring. Ron was a member of the Fairfield VFW Post and truly enjoyed serving in the honor guard and positions within the command.
Ron had a very funny sense of humor and loved to cook. He enjoyed family, friends, sports, good music, and fun. Later in life he was blessed with his love, Marilyn Friend. They enjoyed a wonderful life together and Ron became a huge Fairfield Mules fan watching Marilyn’s granddaughter and her teammates play. Ron will be very missed by his family and his many friends.
Ron is survived by his daughters- Michelle (Sam) Johnson Greene of Brentwood TN and Jennifer Johnson of Mattoon IL; granddaughter- Gia Greene of Brentwood TN; and special companion Marilyn Friend of Fairfield.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents, and brother Mike Johnson.
Funeral services will be held at 1PM on Friday February 9, 2024, at Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home with burial at Shrewsbury Cemetery in Mill Shoals. Military rites will be provided by Anthony Wayne Post #176 American Legion and the Wayne County Post #4535 VFW. Visitation will be from 11:30AM until the time of service on Friday at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to the Fairfield VFW Post 4535 or to the Fisher House Foundation and will be accepted at the Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home which is in charge of all the arrangements.