Mr. Vernon Ralph Johnson, 79, of Mill Creek, IN, died Thursday, April 24, 2014, at his home.
He was born Jan. 22, 1935, in LaPorte to Ralph W. and Eleanor Norma (Rotzlitz) Johnson.
Vernon worked as a construction superintendent for Tonn & Blank Construction for 32 years. He ran the Blacksmith Shop at Hesston Steam Show for 35 years. He was a member of First Baptist Church of North Liberty, IN; National Rifle Association; National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association; and the LaPorte County Historical Society of Hesston; and a lifetime member of United Brotherhood of Carpenters & Joiners of America Local 1485 of LaPorte.
On Jan. 27, 1968, in Walkerton, IN, he married Margaret Mary (Whitmer) Johnson, who survives.
He is also survived by five sons, William (Pat) Harrold of Villisca, IA, Michael (Becky) Johnson of Phoenix, AZ, Jeffrey (Michelle) Johnson of Walkerton, Timothy Harrold of LaPorte and Thomas Harrold of LaPorte; three daughters, Pamm (Phil) Martin of Goshen, IN, Gina (Dan) Rotermund of New Troy, MI, and Laura (Dion) Winter of New Carlisle, IN; 18 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; numerous great-great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Cheryl (William) Rotermund of Sun City, IL, and Jacquelyn (Charles) Hollar of Warsaw, IN.
Vernon was preceded in death by his parents; son, David L. Papp, and one grandchild.
The family will receive friends at Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte, on Monday, April 28, from 5 to 8 p.m. and Tuesday, April 29, from 9 to 10 a.m. A life celebration will be held Tuesday at 10 a.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Wayne Joyner officiating. Interment will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery, Mill Creek.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church of North Liberty, 407 W. Elm St., North Liberty, IN 46554.
Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP, as well as at www.haverstockfuneralhome.com.