Robert “Bobby” Alan Johnson

Robert (Bob/Bobby) Alan Johnson, also lovingly known as “Pap”, passed away in Indianapolis, Indiana on March 19, 2024.  The following is an obituary written by his loving family.

Bobby was born in Indianapolis on November 26, 1956.  He was the youngest of three siblings (Margaret and Larry) born to his mother (Mary) and father (James). Growing up he loved swimming, drawing, and outdoor adventures. He was very much in touch with nature so it was no surprise to see him running around barefoot getting into mischief. He continued his artwork, expanding to painting and creating unique pieces using scraps from lots of things he collected. He created his own recipes for fudge, salsa, persimmon pudding, and so many other things. He was a true artisan, a jack of all trades. It wasn’t uncommon for him to show you his latest creation he had spent hours or days creating just to give it away. 

As Bob got older he would work in many different fields of trade including pizza making, painting, construction, snow removal, excavation, and even created his own business R.A. Johnson Landscaping and Company, of which he was very proud. He loved gardening and creating beautiful landscapes in both his own backyards as well as neighbors’. Bob gave his time and talent away for free and would be the first to offer help if he was able to do so. 

His passion for both fauna and flora kept him close to his Native American heritage. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, attending many trips with family and friends going on salmon runs in Michigan or setting up blinds and tree stands to hunt his friend’s property in Trafalgar, Indiana.

Bob’s family grew over time and he was a father figure and mentor to many, whether they were related or not. He would go on to be affectionately nicknamed “Pap” by his loving grandchildren who adored him. Pap shared hilarious stories and taught many survival and life skills with his family. He definitely enjoyed his 420 time (which was all the time!) and engaged in deep conversations and experiences with others. Pap would go on many “walk-abouts” with his family, sharing jokes and being a shoulder to cry on whenever needed. He was a solitary man who loved his alone time tinkering in the garage or piddling around outside, but that never diminished his love and fierce loyalty to his family. Pap had a wonderfully unique personality and sense of humor, and always had a story to share or something to add to the conversation. His loyal pup Remi continues the morning routine “daddy” started long ago of coffee with milk and sugar drizzled over his peanut butter toast, just like Pap made for him.

Pap’s memory is carried on through his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren who miss him dearly but hold his life lessons and wonderfully hilarious memories and stories in their hearts. 

Preceded in death by his loving wife of 46 years, Ogira Katherine (Kathie) Johnson; sister, Margaret Anne (Johnson) Curtis; brother, Larry McKinley Johnson; grandmother, Stella Marie Lawson; aunt, Margie Johnson; stepfather, Brad Kinder.

Survived by his mother, Mary (Lawson) Kinder; daughters, Alana Johnson - grandson Nathanael Johnson,
Shannon Tilley - grandkids David Bowe, Jr. (great-grandson Tristan), Lilly Carbajal (great-grandson Aric), Shannon Maria Carbajal; Melissa DeLaO -grandkids Chad Shackelford, Alondra DeLaO, Savana DeLaO (great-granddaughter Nevaeh); and many, many more family and friends.

Arrangements are currently pending in the care of Eric MD Bell Funeral Home and Cremation Services.  All are encouraged to keep his family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

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