Robert Johnson

Robert M. Johnson passed away peacefully on October 14th, 2024 at The Wyngate Senior Living Community in Circleville, Ohio.  Bob was born June 24, 1930 in Chillicothe, Ohio to the late Paul Alcott and Irene Orr Johnson.  Also preceding him was his wife, Marilyn Mae Johnson, who passed on June 09, 2024 and together they celebrated their 70th anniversary this past May. Survivors include his children Virginia (Richard) Davis, Kathleen (Joel) Sassa, Paul (Carol) Johnson, Eric (Betty Lippold) Johnson and Patricia (Michael) Rothe.  Also surviving Bob were sisters Martha Sue Conley and Mary Anne (Steve) Miklosik, 12 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

Bob graduated from Circleville High School in 1948, Ohio Wesleyan University in 1952 and enlisted in the United States Air Force-Strategic Air Command in 1952.  While serving as a Petroleum officer at Turner AFB (Albany, Georgia) he met the love of his life, Marilyn.  After a short engagement Bob and Marilyn married in 1954 and then returned to Circleville to start a family, careers, and a business together.

After leaving the USAF-SAC Bob worked initially at the C.F. Replogle Company for 7 years to help build roads throughout Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Michigan.  Upon closure of that company Bob and Marilyn started Contractors & Industrial Supply Company to provide tools and materials to industries, farmers and contractors throughout Ohio and the surrounding states.  A very modest start became a successful enterprise with the support of many loyal customers who appreciated the quality products Bob retailed.  Quickly he expanded to include a construction division, C&I Builders, which later became R/P Johnson, Inc.  In the mid -1980s Bob sold C&I Supply and with the assistance of his sons and a daughter, the focus became countless construction projects in Ohio from the Ohio River to Lake Erie.  In 1992 Bob became a licensed Realtor and for another 10 years he assisted with real estate sales and the family real estate investments in Ohio and Florida.  Even though he technically retired in 1992 from active involvement in the family business, Bob enjoyed helping the business continue and was always willing to lend ideas or his broad experience to anyone who asked.

While family always came first for Bob, he loved serving his country and community.  Marilyn and Bob shared distinctly different marital roles but those were also intertwined around a fundamental goal of serving their community and family.  He truly lived the Rotarian motto of “Service above Self” throughout his full and successful life.  A partial list of past involvements include Rotary Young Man of the Year 1965, President (1969) of Circleville Rotary, President of Circleville Chamber of Commerce, Founding member and President of YMCA board, 3 time YMCA Capital Building Campaign Chairman, President of Pickaway County Red Cross, President of Pickaway County District Library, President of Pickaway County Historical Society, founding President of Pickaway County Airport Authority, President of Private Industry Council #17, President of Job Training Partnership Act appointed by Mary Ellen Withrow, President and multi-year member of Circleville City Schools board of education,  President of CCS building campaign for the new school project, Circleville Jaycees, Circleville Community United Methodist Church member/Education Superintendent and Education addition President, Brooks Yates Sheltered Workshop building committee, US Bank Regional Advisory Board Member, Pickaway Board of Realtors, Circleville City Schools Alumni Member, and Circleville Downtown Business board President. He supported many community endeavors through his philanthropy.

While raising an active family, Bob and Marilyn provided opportunities for the children to receive college educations.  With Marilyn, Bob traveled extensively overseas, boated all around the Great Lakes on their power boats (even completing the “Great Loop”), and enjoyed friendships both locally as well as around Lake Erie and Florida.  With Marilyn they enjoyed their children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and dear friends above everything else.  Bob was adept at making new friendships quickly, and was a true “Renaissance Man” with his interests in history, art, architecture and music.  Bob was a talented artist in his own right, and several of his works remain with his family to be enjoyed for years to come. He remained interested in what was happening in the world to the very end of his life, and remained content with the changes in life as he neared the end.  His family and friends were blessed to have had him for 94 years and to have shared him with his community and country.

The entire Bob Johnson family would like to express their deepest appreciation to the nurses and staff of Wyngate in Circleville for their compassionate care of both Marilyn and Bob. Much appreciated was the wonderful care received previously from Berger-Ohio Health staff and the National Church Residences Hospice team. The family sincerely appreciates AMVETS, the Soldiers Monumental Association and Honor Flight via John Frericks for the beautiful recognitions of his Military Service.  Mere words cannot express our gratitude.

Calling hours will be at Wellman Funeral Home in Circleville, Ohio from 9:00am to 11:00 am, Friday November 29th, 2024.  A private family service to follow with interment immediately after.  Donations in Bob’s honor can be made to the Pickaway YMCA Annual Campaign at donate.justgiving.com or to Circleville City Schools Alumni Association at circlevillecityschoolfoundation.org.  Online condolences can be made to www.wellmanfuneralhomes.com.