Russell Johnson

Russell Johnson, age 87, of Hillsboro, Ohio, passed away on Monday evening, Aug. 25, 2025. He was born on April 5, 1938, in Hillsboro to Willard L. Johnson and Alice Mae (Hartman) Johnson. On Feb. 9, 1962, Russell married Dorothy Sexton, who passed away on Jan. 10, 2025. They traveled life's pathway together for 62 years.

Russell was a graduate of Whiteoak High School Class of 1956 and attended The Ohio State University.

He was active in 4-H and Future Farmers of America (FFA). As an avid sheep enthusiast, he traveled across the country exhibiting sheep on the stock show circuit and consigning sales. It was through this interest that he met many lifetime friends across the United States. Russ's love of sheep was well known. Nothing made this shepherd happier than to train children (of any age) to groom and show, including his niece and nephews. As a judge at 4-H shows, he spent an inordinate amount of time working with kids to develop their skills. Russ was also a Highland County Fair Board member for over 50 years and a Trustee on the New Market Baptist Cemetery Board.

Surviving are his brother and sister-in-law, Alvin & Linda Johnson; sister & brother-in-law, Doris & William Edenfield; sister, Gayle Lindaman; nephew, Mark (Dawn) Edenfield; nephew, Chris Edenfield; niece, Kimberly (Robin) Walker; nephew, Jay Johnson (friend Darlene); nephew, Doug (Jennifer) Johnson & niece, Deanna (Stephen) Livesay. Also left to mourn his passing are great-nephews and great-nieces: Heath Edenfield, Grant (Julie) Edenfield, Seth (Jocelyn) Walker, Quinn (Michael) Manion, LeAnn (Kyle) Mastropasque, Bill Frazer of Hillsboro, Tori (Felix) Catheline, Andrea (Brad) Gilyard, and Elizabeth (Brad) Buckingham and 14 great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews.

In addition to his parents and wife, Russell was preceded in death by two brothers-in-law: Pete Lindaman and Maynard Sexton.

Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, at New Market Baptist Cemetery with Pastor Lloyd Shoemaker officiating. The family requests that memorial contributions in Russ's memory be made to the Highland County Senior Fair Board.

The Rhoads-Edgington Funeral Home, Hillsboro, is serving the family.

To sign the online guest book, go to edgingtonfuneralhomes.com.