Douglas M Johnson

Douglas Manford Johnson, 74, of West Liberty, passed away at 1:24 p.m. Saturday, August 23, 2025, surrounded by his loving family at his residence. He was born at Mary Rutan Hospital in Bellefontaine, Ohio on October 26, 1950, to the late RussellWilliam and Arbara Faye Salyers Johnson. He was also preceded in death by a granddaughter, Lyndzey Brooke Cox and his youngest sister, Brenda Ellen (Jim) Denney.

On September 25, 1971, he married Kathrine L. Brown of Belle Center and together they had two adoring children: Nichole Lynn "Nikki" (James) Burkhamer and Douglas Manford (Charity) Johnson II. He was a wonderful grandfather to Kristen Mary (Jason) Hawkins, Heather Autumn (Ricky) Rivon, Zachary Tyler Cox, Taylor Renae (Andrew) Cox, Joshua Zane Cox, Izik Zayden Cox, and Douglas Manford "DJ" Johnson III. One Great-Grandson named Jason Douglas Hawkins was also welcomed into his family.

Doug had eight siblings that attended West Liberty-Salem High School. They enjoyed teasing and spending time with their brother. They will miss him dearly. Barbara (Larry) Russell, Bonnie Johnson Albert, David Johnson, Dale Johnson, Billie Jo (Brian) Kennedy, Duane Johnson, and Betti (Ricky) Smithsurvive to tell hilarious stories of their genuine and likeable sibling. He was also the uncle of many nieces and nephews who enjoyed his kind and gentle way of showing love, encouragement, and his hilariously playful attitude.

Doug was a talented, good hearted, and fun-loving soul who could fix anything. He worked at Navistar International Harvester for 35 years, where he gained many long-lasting friendships. After he retired, he was busier than ever, working endlessly in his 'Man Cave' garage. He was also very proud to be an employee of Liberty Township. He loved mowing the cemeteries, plowing snow, driving the trucks, and maintaining the area that he has always known as home. In addition to all of that, he effortlessly kept a beautiful yard that garnered countless compliments with his signature straight lines.

For many years Doug raced Quarter Midgets with his son. With his wife and daughter in tow, they traveled to tri-state area racetracks on summer weekends for sanction races. He even raced go karts himself, in more recent years, filling his pit crew with his grandsons and nephews. He never missed a NASCARrace, and he loved antique cars and roadsters. He won numerousawards and trophies for his restored, personally painted, and souped-up masterpieces. With family and friends, he attended as many local car shows as he could.

Most importantly, Doug was a born-again Christian. He attended Goshen Friends Church, and he was baptized in August of 2023. After more than a seven-year fight with cancer, he was heard telling his family and friends that "he was ready to go."

Doug will be missed by his wife, children, grandchildren, family, friends, and basically anyone who met him. He was such a kind and caring soul, and he held a knowing confidence that has influenced and will be carried on by all of those who have had the honor of knowing, loving, and learning from him.

Pastor Wayne Downing will officiate a funeral service 11:00 a.m. Friday August 29th, 2025 at Jennings Farley and Seeley Funeral Home 5591 U.S. Highway 68 South, West Liberty, Ohio 43357. Visitation will be Thursday August 28th , 2025 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.