He was born on November 24, 1938 in Greenfield, Ohio and raised by his adopted parents, Nellie and Charles Johnson. After graduating from Coshocton High School in 1956, Les joined the United Sates Air Force, serving his country proudly from 1957 to 1963.
Les worked at Dawson Funeral Home, Shafer Tent and Awning, and General Electric for many years. He also worked for the Coshocton Fire Department, retiring after 28 ½ years as their Captain.
Les was a member of the Coshocton Christian Tabernacle and was a long time member of the American Legion and he golfed six days a week with the Outlaws Golf Team. Les was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, Captain and friend and will be truly missed.
He is survived by his loving wife, Deborah (Patterson) Johnson of 21 years; six children, Tracy (Alan) Richards of Coshocton, Steve (Kelly) Johnson of Coshocton, Todd (Sherry) Johnson of Coshocton, Sherri Covic of Conesville, Carrie (Jason) Dean of West Lafayette, and Leslie (Darren) Mansfield of Coshocton; 17 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; sister, Virginia Miller of Springfield, Ohio; sister-in-laws, Beth Triacheff and Joyce Lippel; brother-in-laws, Dennis Wonders and Jerry Millett; numerous nieces and nephews and extended family, Tad (Darlene) Johnson, Heath (Katrina) Johnson, Wendy (Chuck) Turner and JT Johnson.
Along with his parents, Les is preceded in death by his first wife of 40 years, Marlyn Johnson; biological mother, Winifred Sumner; brother, Jerry Sumner; and brother-in-laws, Ronald Wonders and Chuck Triacheff.
Calling hours will be held on Thursday, August 31, 2023, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Given-Dawson-Paisley Funeral Home and one hour prior to the funeral. Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 1, 2023, at 11:00 at the Funeral Home with Pastor Mike Jansen officiating. Burial will follow at Coshocton County Memory Gardens with the Coshocton County Veterans Council Honor Guard performing Military Honors.
For those who wish, memorial donations may be made in Les’s name to the Coshocton County Animal Shelter or to the Coshocton Fire Department or to Community Hospice, Truman House, in New Philadelphia, Ohio.
An online memorial can be viewed at www.given-dawson-pasileyfh.com.
