Ronald "Ron" W. Johnson

Ronald Wayne Johnson, 69, passed away Friday, February 6, 2015, at Deaconess Gateway after a courageous battle with cancer. Ron approached his diagnosis with optimism and a positive attitude. He never complained about his illness. He was born April 24, 1945.

Ron loved life. He grew up on the west side of Evansville playing many sports, but excelled in baseball, basketball, and golf. Ron attended FJ Reitz high school, class of 1962 and attended Indiana State University. He served his country in the US Army in Vietnam from 1965-1967. Ron returned to the States and started a lifelong career in Human Resources at Kent Plastics. He then managed Gamco in Henderson, KY. He worked at Big Rivers Electric for over twenty years negotiating labor contracts and managing the Human Resources Department. Ron also worked as the Human Resources Director for the City of Evansville under Russ Lloyd Jr. In 2001, He began working for Gibbs Die Casting. The last 14 years were spent overseas as the Managing Director of plants in Seoul, Korea and Dalian, China. Ron really enjoyed being part of the Asian culture and was amazed at their generosity and work ethic. Ron truly enjoyed using his expertise to help make the workplace the best it could be. Everyone who worked for Ron found him to be a fair and honest manager and Ron took great pride in helping people.

Ron was also passionate about golf throughout his adult life. He spent many weekends at Hamilton’s golf course and later Eagle Valley. He especially enjoyed his annual trip to Panama City, FL with his longtime golf buddies. Ron continued to play golf in China and played until his illness required his return to the States for treatment.

Ron was preceded in death by his mother Ruby Jean Simpson in 1977, his father Raymond Burlin Johnson in 1980 and a brother Bobby Ray who died in infancy.

He is survived by his two sons, Kevin Wayne (Amy) and Scott Aaron Johnson of Evansville; siblings Steve Johnson, Dan Johnson, Roxanne Holland, Ricky Johnson, and Robin Mudd; three grandchildren, Benjamin, Nicholas and Emma Johnson.

Kevin and Scott would like to thank the Neurological Department at Deaconess Gateway for their care of Ron.

Funeral services were held 11:00 AM on Tuesday, February 10, 2015, at Alexander West Chapel, with burial in Alexander Memorial Park. Friends visited Monday from 3:00 to 8:00 PM and Tuesday from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at Alexander West Chapel.