Ronald Johnson

Ronald Bruce Johnson, 93, of South Bloomingville, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at Berger Hospital after saying goodbyes to family and friends.

He was born the son of Judson Johnson and Lucile (Hill) Johnson on December 15, 1930 in Benton Township, Hocking County, where he would spend most all his life.  He graduated from Benton Rural High School in 1948 as class valedictorian and then joined the Ironworkers Local 172 in Columbus, Ohio from which he retired a journeyman ironworker.  Bruce also served in the Army in the Combat Engineers and spent eighteen months overseas during the Korean War.

He was a firm believer in a hard days work and spent many of his days outside from daylight to dark helping a neighbor, working a garden or on one of his various projects around his property.  Bruce was also active in many fraternal organizations including 73 years in the Improved Order of Redman, 68 years as a member of the Masonic Lodge where he was Master five times, 65 years Scottish Rite, 64 year member of Aladdin Shrine, a life member and Past Commander of the VFW.

Serving his neighbors and community was important as well, serving as Benton Township Clerk for 12 years and 20 years as Chairman of the Hocking County Democrat Party.  During his time as chairman, he met with Presidents Carter, Clinton, Obama and Biden.  He was also close friends with U.S. House Representative and former Ohio Governor Ted Strickland and Ohio Representative Gene Branstool.

All during his life, but especially in his later years, Bruce loved a good card game.  Poker and euchre were his favorite and if you could beat him at either, you could consider it an accomplishment.  A quick witted and strong mind remained with him until the end.

Ronald Bruce Johnson was preceded in death by his parents Judson and Lucile; brothers Ralph, Dan, Judson Jr., Darrell; sisters Ruby, Ruth, Helen, Freda, Evelyn, Phyllis; son Martin and granddaughter Morgan.

He is survived by his very special sister Maxine Van Curen; son Joseph (Rita); daughters Rebecca Shaw and Leann Johnson; grandchildren Craig (Ashley) Knece, Marti (Jesse) Knight, Joseph (Tasha) Knece, Zachary Johnson and 5 great grandchildren; nieces Vicky (Jan) Coccia, Diana Hedges, Tonya Johnson, Starla (Jeff) Delong and Shirley Arbaugh; nephews Dan (Jeanne) Watters, Damon (Lisa) Notestone, Gregory Van Curen, William Van Curen, Robert Johnson and Richard Smith; special friends Dick Celeste, Ted Strickland, Gene Branstool and too many more to name.  A special thank you to Sherry, Joni and Tyler for all their help this past year.

Services will be held at Wellman Funeral Home, Laurelville, 16451 State Route 56 East, Laurelville, Ohio 43135 on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. with visitation from 12-4.  Masonic service will be at 4:00 burial will follow, where he will be laid to rest alongside his brother Darrell, sister Helen and son Martin, in the Chapel Ridge Cemetery, 26648 Chapel Ridge Road, South Bloomingville, Ohio 43152.  In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to Aladdin Shrine, 1801 Gateway Circle, Grove City, Ohio 43123.   Online condolences can be made to www.wellmanfuneralhomes.com.