Myron Eugene (Gene) Johnson

Myron Eugene (Gene) Johnson, 85, of Terre Haute passed away Saturday morning, October 14, 2023.  He retired as a Senior Technician for the Hobart Company.  Gene was born August 27, 1938 in Ft. Smith, AR to Brigadier Myron Juble Johnson and Brigadier Nellie Phillips Johnson, officers in the Salvation Army.

Survivors include his wife of 31 years, Shanda Cook Baggett Johnson;  children, Tim Johnson (Nancy), Debbi Guenzel (Mark), Joyce Nichols (Bob) and Becky Giltz (Terry);  step-daughter, Sharae Baggett Henderson;  and grandchildren, Christopher Johnson, Nicole Guenzel King (Chris), Megan Guenzel Ogg (Ryan), Anthony Guenzel (Sierra Sawtell), Kristi Nichols Reed (Wes), Michael Nichols (Kristina), Steven Nichols (Amanda), Amber Skeel (Austin Souder), Cory Baggett (Patricia) and Jade Henderson (Megan).  Also surviving are his 17 beautiful great-grandchildren, Mackenzie and William King;  Camden and Caroline Ogg;  Ava Grace and Maciah Reed;  Gabe, Jason, Josey, Gwen and Jace Nichols;  Jordan, Raylyn and Shyver Baggett;  and Aurora, Joseph and Oaklynn Henderson;  and siblings, Wesley Myronson, Elizabeth Alexander (Fred) and Robert Johnson.  He was preceded in death by his parents;  and his first wife, the mother of his children, Betty Sours Johnson, whom he married in 1959.  They were married 31 years before her death.

Gene was a graduate of Vincennes Lincoln High School in 1956.  During his working years, he was employed by Delco Remey, the U.S. Post Office, Kroger’s and the Hobart Corporation.  After retirement, he drove a school bus for St. Patrick School and Head Start.  His most rewarding job after retirement was as Santa at the Honey Creek Mall for 23 years, Clabber Girl’s Country Christmas Celebration and home visits during the season to bring cheer to many families.  He was loved by and returned the love to thousands of children during the season he wished was all year long.

Gene was a member of Memorial United Methodist Church, a Past Master of Masonic Lodge #19, the Past Masters Association, a past member of Eastern Star and the Murat Shrine, the Board of Red Cross, a volunteer for disaster relief, the Amateur Radio Association (his call letters were N9BOG (standing for Big Old Gene), the Wabash Valley Genealogical Society and the Swinging Mates Square Dance Club of Terre Haute.  He was proud to have been a Veteran who served in the Indiana Army Guard for 9 ½ years.

A gathering of family and friends will be at Memorial United Methodist Church, 2701 Poplar Street, on Friday, October 20, 2023 from 4:00-6:00 PM with the service starting at 6:00 PM.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation in his honor to Memorial United Methodist Church, Masonic Lodge 19, the American Red Cross or the charity of your choice.  A donation to any agency that made life better for children would fill his heart with joy.  Funeral information and tributes may be found at www.callahanandhughes.com.