Clinton E. Johnson "Bubba"

Clinton Eugene “Bubba” Johnson, age 92, of Chesterton, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, July 16, 2026. He was born on September 29, 1933, in Henderson County, Tennessee, to the late Oscar Samuel and Ruby Pearl (née Holloway) Johnson. On June 29, 1952, in Corinth, Mississippi, Clinton married the love of his life, Shirley F. (née Hollaway) Johnson. Together they shared 70 wonderful years of marriage before her passing on July 20, 2022. Clinton retired from U.S. Steel after many years of dedicated service as a castor.

Clinton had a wonderful sense of humor and was always ready with a joke, bringing smiles and laughter to those around him. He had a lifelong passion for custom and classic cars and enjoyed spending countless hours working on them. Among his prized possessions was his beloved 1958 Pontiac Bonneville, a car he took great pride in. Clinton was also a gifted bladesmith whose craftsmanship was widely admired. One of his custom knife designs was sold commercially, and his exceptional knife-making skills earned him recognition in a national magazine. Whether he was in the garage restoring a car or at his workbench crafting a blade, Clinton poured his heart into everything he created.

Above all, Clinton was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He will be lovingly remembered by his children, Debra (Danny) Oliver of Portage, Donna Johnson of Chesterton, and Johnny Trent (Kari Stinnett) Johnson of Chesterton; his grandchildren, Jaime (Mike) Hutka, Joshua Oliver, Nicole (Charles) Maxwell, Matthew (John Phipps) Johnson, and Andrew (Kelli) Johnson; his great-grandchildren, Aiven Oliver, Harlie Rothgeb, Michael Hutka, Olivia Hutka, Jayden Johnson, Anexandria Oliver, Avery Johnson, Maximus Johnson; and sister, Linda Mavornicles along with many extended family members and dear friends who will cherish his memory.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Shirley; his parents; his daughter, Tina Honeycutt; his grandson, Terry Lee Kelly and sisters, Connie Pendelton and Joann Brown.

A graveside service will be held at 1:45 p.m. on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at Graceland Cemetery, 1505 Morthland Drive, Valparaiso, Indiana 46383.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel, 5341 Central Avenue, Portage, Indiana 46368. For more information, please call (219) 762-3013 or visit www.reesfuneralhomes.com to share online condolences with the family.