Robert Oscar Johnson "R.O."

Age 100, a lifelong resident of Lake and Porter County, passed away Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at Rittenhouse Senior Living of Portage. He was born on a farm on April 23, 1923, in Jasper Co. to the late John Henry and Versa P. (nee Watson) Johnson. He proudly served his country in the United States Army and was a survivor of the Battle of the Bulge, World War II and served in the 303rd Signal Corp Battalion in Belgium earning two medals. He was a patriot, teaching school kids about the American Flag and what it meant and how to respect and fold the flag properly. He organized Army reunions, high school reunions, and was presented with the Key to the City of Cambridge, Ohio. He was a charter member of VFW Post 9323 and the American Legion Post 100. Robert was a member of the East Gary/Lake Station Volunteer Fire Department and volunteered for over 50 yrs. Robert retired from U.S. Steel where he worked as an Electrical Armature Winder from 1943-1983. He married the love of his life Betty (nee Smith) Johnson on November 30,1947 in Gary, Indiana they raised four beautiful children and spent 75 loving years together until Betty's passing in July of 2022. He loved square and polka dancing; he was devoted to the community of East Gary/Lake Station, where he served as a First Lieutenant in the fire department for 34 years. He also drove the ambulance for Brady Funeral Home. Robert will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, great-great grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend.

He is survived by his daughter, Ruth (Robert) Jones; two sons, Kenton (James) Johnson and Jay Johnson; daughter-in-law, Tamara Johnson; grandchildren, Robert Jones II, Ryan Jones, Montana (Grayson) Johnson; great grandchildren, Victoria Jones, and Andrew Jones; great great grandson, Carter Cunningham; brother, Samuel A. Johnson; and numerous nieces and nephews many other loving family members and friends.

Robert was preceded in death by his wife, Betty A. (nee Smith) Johnson; son, Dean Johnson (2002); three sisters, Ruth, Doris, and Phyllis, and three brothers, William, Lloyd, and Paul Johnson.

In lieu of flowers donations to the Wounded Warrior Project in memory of Robert's memory would be appreciated. https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org or by phone at1-855-448-3997

A funeral service for Robert will be held Monday, April 8, 2024, at 12:00 pm at Rees Funeral Home, Hobart Chapel 600 West Old Ridge Road, Hobart, Indiana 46342. Burial to follow at Calvary Cemetery, Portage, Indiana. A visitation for Robert will be held Sunday, April 7, 2024, from 2:00-8:00 p.m.  at Rees Funeral Home, Hobart, Indiana 46342. For more information please call (219)-942-2109 or online at www.reesfuneralhomes.com