John J. “Newton” Johnson, Jr.

John J. “Newton” Johnson, Jr., age 78, of 31 Dicks Drive, Shelby, died unexpectedly Tuesday, August 13, 2002 at his home.

He was born April 3, 1924 in Rowan County, Kentucky, the son of the late John and Vena (Haney) Johnson, Sr. His parents died when John was very young, and he was raised by his aunt and uncle, Dora and Jesse Johnson.

Mr. Johnson was a self-employed mason contractor his entire life and was a masonry instructor at the Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield for 23 years. He was a member of the Taylortown Community Church and was an Army veteran of World War II. John loved his family and always had a smile on his face. He enjoyed walks in the woods and bird watching. His favorite place away from home was his cabin in Kentucky, and his favorite Bible verse was Jeremiah 33:3.

Though he is now in the presence of the Lord, John will be greatlly missed by his wife and best friend of 57 years, Maxine (Ramey) Johnson; 5 daughters and 4 sons-in-law: Sandra and Curt Roth of Wallingford, KY; Nancy Dyer of Ashland; Brenda and David Coovert, Sr. of Willard; Jane and Raymond Bond of Shiloh; and Catherine and Larry Paxton of Shelby; a son and daughter-in-law, Ronald and Muriel Johnson of West Liberty, KY; 18 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; 3 sisters: Edith Ellington of Gilmer, TX; Lorene Horton of Flemingsburg, KY; and Leon Rietveld of Shelby; 1 brother, Levon Johnson of Shelby. He was preceded in death by 2 grandchildren, Jennifer Stephens and Curtis Roth; 3 brothers: Edward, Melvin, and Ivo Johnson; and a sister, Garnet Templeman.

Calling hours will be on Wednesday, August 14, 2002 from 6-9 PM at the Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby. Funeral services will be on Thursday at 11:00 AM at the Taylortown Community Church with Rev. O. Douglas Tackett officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery in Shiloh with military honors. Memorial expressions may be made to the church.