Ronald Lee Johnson

Ronald "Ron" Lee Johnson passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, August 12, surrounded by his family, after a two-month battle with cancer that had spread quickly throughout his body.
Ron was born in Gary, Indiana, on January 11, 1940, to Harlan and Mary Johnson. A few years later, his younger brother Wayne joined the family, beginning a lifelong bond. Growing up, Ron and Wayne loved fishing on lakes and roaming the Indiana woods, hunting and trapping small game (sometimes even selling hides to Sears & Robeck).
A gifted student with a passion for problem-solving, Ron attended the esteemed Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, earning his bachelor's degree in Mathematics and master's degree in Physics. Watching Sputnik orbit the Earth as a boy sparked his desire to be part of the United States' effort to reach space.
He married Linda Kovach, and the couple eventually moved to California when Ron accepted a position with McDonnell Douglas as an aerospace engineer.
After Linda passed away in 1979, he met and married Marilyn (Swanson) Riley. He embraced her children, Craig and Colleen, as his own. Marilyn became his lifelong partner in raising their blended family and in traveling the world. They shared their Christian faith and a deep love of sailing, with Ron often captaining a sailboat for family trips to Catalina Island.
Ron dedicated his entire career to McDonnell Douglas-continuing through its merger with Boeing-contributing to groundbreaking projects such as solar and nuclear innovations and satellite rocket development. His work reflected his lifelong curiosity and commitment to advancing technology.
He was handy around the house, liked to tinker and especially loved using duct tape to solve problems! He would figure out a solution if he didn't know how, approaching every challenge with curiosity and determination.
After retiring in 1995, Ron enjoyed the Southern California lifestyle, tending his garden, spending time around the water, and traveling to destinations around the globe, especially tropical locales. In later years, he devoted himself to caring for Marilyn during her lung transplant journey-showing the same loyalty and steadiness that defined his life.
Ron loved being a grandfather. He dressed up for Halloweens, would lay on the floor to play games with them, and delighted in watching them swim in his pool. Time with his grandchildren brought him pure joy, and he cherished the laughter and energy they brought into his life.
Ron's faith in God was the steady compass of his life. He lived out his beliefs daily, sharing his faith openly with anyone who was willing to listen. His love for others was rooted in that faith, shaping the way he worked, loved, and served. For many years, he was a deacon at Christ Community Church, faithfully supporting his church family who he felt connected to.
Ron is survived by his children Mike Johnson, Craig Riley, Dan (Lindsey) Johnson, Colleen (Dylan) Riley; and grandchildren Logan, Cole, and Miles Johnson, Caydence and Sloane Riley, and Danica and Maverick Riley. He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wives, Linda and Marilyn.
Ron's quiet intelligence, devotion to family, and generous spirit will be remembered always. He had a passion for ice cream and had a knack for delivering a witty quip-never mean-spirited, but just sharp enough to get a laugh. He leaves a legacy of love, faith, and integrity.