Robert Johnson

Robert J Johnson, 91, devoted family man, proud business owner and lifelong lover of the great adventures, passed away on April 28, 2026 at Bronson Commons, Mattawan. He was born April 4, 1935 in Flint, Michigan to Carl Oscar Johnson and Bernice Anna (Cobb) Johnson. He graduated in 1953 from Mandeville High School. Later, Bob was inducted in the High School Football Hall of Fame. Bob served in the U.S. Army from 1954-1956. He was stationed at Fort Carson, CO. where he met his wife, Shirley Armstrong, in Colorado Springs. They married January 21, 1956. They celebrated their 70th anniversary together this year. Bob and his wife returned to Flint, MI in September 1956. He worked as a building supervisor for new homes and was transferred to Kalamazoo in late 1960. He was a long-term member of the Home Builders Association of Greater Kalamazoo. In 1965 he worked at Modern Tile and Carpet, where he specialized in installing countertops. He later started his own business, Custom Countertops. Bob was known for his efficiency and excellent workmanship. He also obtained his private pilot's license in the mid sixties.

Bob was a wonderful father to his three children. He always wanted his family to learn and do all the things that interested him whether it was building their cabin, building and riding his dune buggies, motorcycles, and snowmobiles. Camping with his family, first in tents and later with his wife in motor homes, Bob and Shirley explored the mountains, national parks, and later jeeping on the trails in Michigan and the southern and western states.

Bob is survived by his wife, Shirley; his children: Cheryl (Jeff) Herschleb, Steven James (Laura) Johnson and Theresa (Todd) Wallace; his grandchildren: Taylor (Melissa) Herschleb, Steven Christopher Herschleb(Amanda), Nathan (Cassandra) Herschleb, Jennifer (Chris) Prill, Anna Johnson, Joshua Johnson, Thomas ( Sabrina) Johnson, Matthew Wallace, and Rachel (Matthew Dansky) Wallace; his great grandchildren: Logan, Hunter, Greyson, Niles, Kyrie, Porter, Chase, Owen, Kayden, Will, Steven Michael, Silas, Eliza, Harper, and Daisy; his nephew Tommy (Brenda) Barber and his nieces, Jill Haseman, Kristi (Ralph) Duncan, and Marisa (Michael) Peloquin.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his grandson Alexander Wallace, his sister Patricia McCormick and his brother C.O. Johnson.

A committal service with military honors will be held May 18, 2026 at Fort Custer National Cemetery. A Celebration of Life gathering will be held from 12:30-3:30 PM at Portage Chapel Hill Church. Please share memories and condolences with his family at www.langelands.com