Phillip E. Johnson, 92 of rural Keystone passed away Monday morning, September 8, 2025, at Christian Care Retirement Community.
Phil was born on February 10, 1933, in Wells County, Indiana to Paul W. & Virgie Irene (Wilson) Johnson, Sr. A 1950 graduate of Petroleum High School, Phil enjoyed playing basketball and played on the All-County team. He honorably served his country in the United States Army from 1955 to 1957, stationed in Germany.
Phil helped open Corning Glass Works in 1964, stayed after the plant closed, and continued working in the warehouse, until the Bluffton operation was completely closed. A lifelong farmer, Phil had a love for his Registered Tennessee Walkers and Registered Spotted Saddle Bred horses and enjoyed traveling to horse shows and riding.
He was a member of the American Legion Post #111 of Bluffton, a former member of the Bluffton Elks Lodge #796, Petroleum Lions Club, Salamonie Riders Association and a member of Calvary Lutheran Church in Bluffton. He also served as a board member for the Wells County Foundation.
On March 1, 1952, in Lebanon, IN., Phil and Barbara J. (Huffman) were married.
Survivors include his wife of 73 years, Barbara J. Johnson of Bluffton and children; Scott (Elaine) Johnson of rural Geneva and Julie (Steve) Harvey of Bluffton. He was a loving grandpa to 3 grandchildren; Corrine (Sean Benge) Harvey of Leesburg, VA., Meg (Rob) Kramig of Las Angeles, CA., and Eric (Lindsay) Johnson of rural Keystone, along with 5 great-grandchildren; Sadie Johnson, Ruby Johnson, Finn Benge, Llewyn Kramig and Conrad Kramig. He is also survived by a sister, Connie Williams of Florida.
Phil is preceded in death by his parents, stepmother, Jeanette (McCune) Johnson, and a brother, Paul W. Johnson, Jr.
Visitation will be held from 10 A.M. to 2 P.M. on Saturday, (Sept. 13, 2025) at the Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home in Bluffton.
Funeral services will take place at 2 P.M. on Saturday, (Sept. 13, 2025) at the funeral home, following visitation.
Burial will take place at Elm Grove Cemetery in Bluffton with Military Honors by the American Legion Post #111 Honor Guard and the United States Army Honor Guard.
Memorials may be made in Phil’s memory to Calvary Lutheran Church or Southern Wells F.F.A. Program and can be directed to the funeral home.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home in Bluffton. Friends can send condolences online to the family at www.thomarich.com.
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