Ronald Lee Johnson, age 85, of Kendallville, Indiana, passed away on Monday, January 26, 2026. He was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on April 7, 1940, the son of the late Leonard and C. Leona (Stickelman) Johnson. He graduated from Hoagland High School in 1958 and went on to build a strong work ethic throughout his life. On May 27, 1960, he married Shirley Ann Zelt.
He worked in the sheet metal industry and was part owner of Environmental Contractors, Inc and did many big projects in the City of Fort Wayne. He also worked at GreenTech Environmental, formerly known as EcoQuest in Johnson City, Tennessee.
Ronald was an active and faithful member of Waynedale United Methodist Church, the Methodist Church in Colon, Michigan, and many churches through his later years. He served as a lay leader and participated in mission trips to Zimbabwe, Africa, and Haiti, experiences that reflected his heart for service and helping others. His faith for Christ has grown throughout his journey in the last years.
Throughout his life, Ronald lived in Fort Wayne, IN; Coldwater and Colon, MI; Johnson City, TN; and Kendallville IN. He enjoyed deer hunting, fishing, mushroom hunting, and spending time in local bowling leagues and horseshoe competitions.
He was preceded in death by his son, Douglas Lee Johnson in 2021; a sister, Janis Hudson; and a brother, Dennis Johnson.
Ronald is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Shirley Ann Johnson; three daughters, Tamara Ann (Robert) Hooker, Lisa Rena (Mark) Howe, and Teresa Mae (Richard) Ignace; daughter-in-law, Sandy Johnson; 2 brothers, Keith Johnson and Steve Johnson. Ronald was a proud grandfather to 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, all of whom brought him great joy.
He is lovingly remembered by his daughters and family and friends.
A Funeral Service will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Haggard-Hirschy & Zelt Funeral Home, with visitation held 3 hours prior to the service from 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Officiating will be Pastor Matthew Guillion and burial will immediately follow in the Decatur Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana.
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