Robert Charles Johnson

1928 - 2021

Reverend Robert Charles Johnson Longtime resident of Wadsworth, Ohio from 1958-2005, Reverend Robert Charles Johnson passed away peacefully in his sleep at Willowbrook Christian Community, Delaware, Ohio on January 15, 2021. His devoted wife, Betsy of 67 years was by his side. Both Bob and Betsy had contracted the COVID-19 virus. Bob was born on December 18, 1928 in Fort Wayne, Indiana to the late Merrill C. and Blanche (Haberkorn) Johnson. He is preceded in death by his only sibling, Richard M. Johnson. He was the loving father of four children: Susan (Steve) Heit, R. Scott (Ellen) Johnson, Katherine "Kit" (Juergen) Tossmann and Elizabeth "Libby" Johnson. And is also survived by sister-in-law, Karen Egerer, along with a host of extended family and friends. Bob was adored and respected by eight grand children: Aubrie (Caryn) Tossmann, Rachel (Bryan) Kelly, Shannon Kozyra, Katherine Heit, Aaron Johnson, Michael (Elena) Heit, Alex Bell-Johnson, Leah Bell-Johnson and first great- grandchild, Isla Kelly. Bob Johnson graduated from Southside High School in Fort Wayne, Indiana in 1948 where he was Class Salutatorian and Class President. He was one the of the top state cross country runners and State Champion Miler. Bob graduated from Yale University in 1951 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History having received a four-year scholarship and later graduated in 1955 with a Bachelor of Divinity degree from Yale Divinity School. While at Yale, Bob was a member of the cross country team and captain his senior year. He was selected to compete in England against Oxford, Cambridge and universities in Dublin and Belfast., After the competitions were over, he and buddy, Pete White, motorcycled across England and Europe. Bob was one of 15 outstanding Yale junior students selected to join the Scroll and Key Society. Bob met Betsy Day Stone on a blind date at Yale in May of 1953, and in September of that same year, were married in Madison, Connecticut. After graduating from Yale Divinity School, Bob served three years starting in 1955 at St. John's E&R Church in Evansville, Indiana. In 1958 he accepted the call to Trinity United Church of Christ in Wadsworth, Ohio where he soon became Senior Minister. He pastored there for 35 years, when upon his retirement in 1993 was awarded Pastor Emeritus. During his time at Trinity church he was a leader in the Eastern Ohio Association of the United Church of Christ, serving on several committees, conducting workshops and statewide retreats focusing on spiritual life, prayer and meditation. Bob Johnson was an active community leader in Wadsworth serving on numerous boards and committees. After moving to Willowbrook Christian Community, he became involved in many on- campus activities and joined the Zion United Church of Christ in Delaware. Bob championed causes in social justice, environmental issues, civil rights and was an advocate for PFLAG. Early on he became profoundly inspired by the traditions, culture and spirituality of Native American Indians. His combined faith and love of history called him to take sabbaticals in Greece, The Holy Land, Russia and Ring Lake Ranch in Wyoming, all accompanied by Betsy. During the early 1960's Bob, along with other local pastors participated in a study tour of missions across Africa. Bob was an avid sports fan of the Detroit Tigers, golf, college football and basketball. He enjoyed being outdoors, hiking, fishing, rock hunting and taking yearly family vacations. He loved all genres of music. He was very proud to have donated 26 gallons to the Red Cross blood drives. Reverend Johnson always felt that a person can't ask for much more in life than what he had: love of family, friendship, respect of one's peers, no regrets and a full life. His advice: "Be kind, don't hurt people, find/search/explore, listen to your heart, and keep curious. The existence of God is all around us." The Johnsons and extended family would like to thank all the Willowbrook Christian Community staff for the loving care they gave to Bob and the support and comfort they continue to provide for Betsy during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Trinity United Church of Christ in Wadsworth and Willowbrook Christian Community Staff Christmas Fund. A Celebration of Life service will be held later in the year.