Melvin Phillip Johnson

Melvin Phillip Johnson, age 87, of Huntington, died on Friday, July 17, 2020 at his home. Mel was born on March 10, 1933 at the family farm in Clear Creek Township, Huntington Indiana. He was the son of Carl Henry and Mildred Catherine (Nix) Johnson. He graduated from Clear Creek High School in 1951 and shortly thereafter served in the US Army. After his service to his country, he owned several service stations in the area, including Johnson’s Standard in Roanoke, which he eventually sold to his brother Wally. He also owned Mel’s Mobil on West Park Drive and Cherry Street. It was here that he met the love of his life and best friend, Beverly Jane Rice from Fort Wayne, who had just started her dance school in Huntington. Mel and Beverly were married on June 25, 1960 at St John the Baptist Catholic Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Mel was a proud 5th generation farmer in Clear Creek Township, where his Great Great Grandparents Henry and Sophia Johnson had settled in the early 1840’s after immigrating from Germany. They were one of Clear Creek Township’s original pioneer families. After selling his other stations, Mel spent decades in auto sales, and took joy in serving his loyal customers, retiring in 2004. Mel also served his community in many capacities. He was on the Parkview Huntington Hospital Board of Directors, the Huntington County Merit Board for the Sheriff’s Department, the Alcoholic Beverage Board for the State of Indiana, and was a life member of VFW Post #2689 in Huntington. He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Huntington and a 3rd degree member of the Knights of Columbus. Survivors include his wife, Beverly Johnson of Huntington, sons Todd (Cindy) Johnson of Huntington, Tab (Rochelle) Johnson of Ossian, Troy (Michelle) Johnson of Fort Wayne, Tony (Juli) Johnson of Huntington, and daughters Terri (George) Eckert of Markle, Tami (Mike) Hollis of Fort Wayne, Tonia (Kyle) Dunfee of Roanoke, and Traci (Kyle) Daugherty of Huntington. Also surviving are a brother, Wally (Beverly) Johnson of Roanoke, sisters Marcy Wall of Huntington, Bonnie (Lawrence) Reed of Columbia City, Judy (Van) Bailey of North Webster, and Debbie Stoffel of Huntington, 31 grandchildren, and 19 great grandchildren. His parents preceded him in death. Visitation will be from 2 – 7 p.m. Friday, July 24, 2020 at Bailey-Love Mortuary, 35 West Park Drive, Huntington, Indiana. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 25, 2020 at St. Mary Catholic Church, 903 North Jefferson Street, Huntington, Indiana, with Father Thomas Eckert, CSC, a close friend of the family, officiating. There will be one hour of visitation at the church prior to the service. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Huntington. Please follow local and state PPE requirements for visitation. Preferred memorials are to St. Mary Catholic Church, in care of Bailey-Love Mortuary, 35 West Park Drive, Huntington, Indiana, 46750.

Melvin Phillip Johnson

March 10, 1933 - July 17, 2020