Larry Paul Johnson

It is with great sadness, that we announce the death of Larry Johnson, age 74, of Fairborn, OH., on March 17th, 2021 at Hospice of Dayton. He proudly served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War.

Larry was born to Nathan and Ola Johnson on February 11, 1947...seriously, about 100 years too late. With Larry's demeanor, he could have easily been mistaken for a cowboy out of the Wild West. Not that he was a gunslinger...okay, he actually was, but it was more his adventurous spirit, love of nature, and chivalrous demeanor that fit the bill. He loved living in Arizona for years and spending time in the Superstition Mountains, loving nature to the fullest. He was a true gold digger, always looking for treasures the earth holds. His hero was John Wayne and he loved watching every single western movie he could find. Always more than once. He is preceded in death by his beloved first dog, appropriately named Duke.

Larry had a proud and free spirit, never wanting to ask for help from anyone, no matter how badly he needed it. It was his joy to help make people happy in some small way. He was an animal lover, a sucker for a sweet rescue pup. He loved his new rescue, Sabo. A very "unlikable" dog to others, but to Larry, a solid and loyal companion. We are not sure who rescued whom.

Larry loved being an old hippie of the '60s. He often found his way to Yellow Springs, Ohio because it offered him peace, tranquility, a place to value nature, and a lifestyle filled with art that filled the struggling artist that was always inside him.
He loved old cars and trucks. Never getting any single vehicle to completion, but that didn't matter to him. The thrill of a loud motor and a burnout was the excitement he longed for.

While neither his art nor gold-panning or other numerous ideas never brought riches to fruition, he never despaired. He enjoyed the process just as much. While he was kind and gentle, he believed in "standing your ground" to protect what you loved.
Larry is preceded in death by his parents, three brothers Gene, Gil, and Ronnie Johnson, and his wife, Joyce "Maxine". His passing leaves a void in the lives of his sister, Terry (Jerry) Dalton, Florida, brother Sam (Trina) Johnson of Cedarville, his daughter Connie, granddaughter Lexi, and precious great-granddaughter Sofia. He leaves many other extended family members and friends who will miss him greatly. Thank you to everyone who helped him in his daily needs these last few months. You all know who you are and how you helped care for Larry. We would not want to leave anyone out. You all were invaluable to him. He was never far from anyone's thoughts. Nephew Tim, you knew he needed you and you came, more than once. You were a wonderful caregiver to him at those times. Thank you to everyone who cooked for him, shoveled his sidewalk, took his trash cans in, and just plain loved him. There are not enough words to thank our Arizona cousin Bruce for always being a phone call away for him. His nieces, Lisa and Sondra held a special place in his heart. A very special thank you to his loyal best friend, camping buddy, and caring neighbor Brian Dyke. We are so blessed to have you in Larry's daily life. Larry considered you family, and so do we.

He would want you to enjoy a glass of wine or "bur" with someone you love...often.
Rest in peace. Poggie. We loved you so.
We would like to thank the many nurses and doctors who lovingly cared for Larry. His care at Hospice of Dayton was comforting. We held onto every word you spoke and watched your gentle hands care for him.

In lieu of flowers, we kindly ask for donations in Larry's name please to:
Pawsitive Warriors Pet Rescue
P.O. Box 8
New Carlisle, OH. 45344
614-578-3143


We think Larry would approve and appreciate anyone who helped a 4-legged furry friend.

A Celebration of Larry's life with full military honors will be held on Wednesday, March 24, 2021 at 2:00 pm at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions - Beavercreek Chapel, 3380 Dayton-Xenia Rd., Beavercreek, Ohio 45432.

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