Gary Stephen Johnson

Gary Stephen Johnson

    Gary Stephen Johnson, 69, of Hallsville, received his heart’s desire to be with Jesus for all eternity on Saturday, November 11, 2023, in Lancaster, surrounded by family. He was born on July 7, 1954, in Circleville, Ohio, to the late Henry and Carolyn (Callihan) Johnson. 

    Gary attended Logan Elm High School and entered the United States Army in 1972, proudly serving our country for 6 years, including 2 years in Korea. While in the service, Gary was, among other things, a rappelling instructor; a talent that developed into a lifelong passion. After leaving the military, Gary pursued a career in mechanical construction and, on September 17, 1988, he married his loving wife, Cindy (Hart) Johnson, who survives. He went on to establish his business, Piping and Controls, which he continued to manage until his retirement in 2022. 

    Gary was a skilled builder, contractor, welder, and “fixer of all things.” He was an avid card player, golfer, Gunsmoke watcher, and lover of classical music. Gary was devoted to his community and made everyone feel special. He loved his family, his friends, and even strangers with zeal and compassion. He enjoyed get-togethers, having fun, and embellishing memories as stories over and over. Gary was a member of Circle of Faith Ministries, Kingston, where he was lovingly known as “The Mint Guy,” by the precious little ones he loved so well. Most of all though, Gary was passionately devoted to serving his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. 

    In addition to his wife, Gary is survived by children, Christy Bailey, Jared (Jessi) Johnson, Shannon Blair, and Ryan Johnson; adored grandchildren, Dalton, Halley, Maddie, Dean, Harper, Mackenzie, and Weston; siblings, Mike (Eileen) Johnson, Steve Johnson, Judy Virgin, Shelia (Roy) Hart, Brenda (Don “Uncle Buck”) Speakman, Robin Williams, and Ann (Gary) Francis; sister-in-law, Lisa Johnson; father-in-law, Melvin (Mabel) Hart; brother-in-law, Terry (Sharon) Hart; sisters-in-law, Brenda Roundhouse and Penny (Jon) West; close cousin, Monte (Vanessa) Brown; close friend, Robbie Roll; his church family and many other special friends. He was the most BE-LOV-ED uncle to numerous nieces and nephews. 

    In addition to his parents, Gary was preceded in death by his brother, Paul “Doug” Johnson; brothers-in-law, John Williams, Bob Virgin, Bob Noble, Jim Roundhouse, Brian Jaynes; and mother-in-law, Rita Hart. 

    A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, November 16, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at the HILL FUNERAL HOME, Kingston with Pastor Eric Umsted officiating. Military honors will be provided by the Ross County Veteran’s Honor Guard. The family will receive friends Thursday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service at Hill’s. Condolences and floral gifts can be made on Gary’s online guest registry at www.hillfhkingston.com.

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