Wayne C. Johnson, age 88, of Leesburg, IN and a long-time Hobart and Wheeler, IN resident, passed away Saturday, July 20, 2019.  He was born on July 19, 1931 in Middletown, CT, the son of Joseph A. Johnson and Vera May (Clark) Johnson.   He was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School Class of 1949.  He proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force as a Staff Sergeant and Crew Chief from 1951 through 1955.  Wayne studied Diesel Engine Mechanics at Bailey Technical School, enabling a long and successful career at Truck City of Gary, IN, where he progressed through many roles from mechanic to Director of Customer Service.   Wayne enjoyed vast interests and hobbies throughout his life.   For many years, he was a Porter County 4-H Horse and Pony Leader, raising Quarter Horses at his Wheeler, IN, farm.  Fishing and boating were life-long passions and he was a bass club member.  His retirement home on the water in Leesburg, IN, where he and his wife of 39 years, Susan K. Johnson reside, gave him constant joy.  He served on the board of directors for SPEC Senior Center in North Webster, IN for over 10 years.  Wayne won many awards for his woodcarvings and enjoyed the friendship of his fellow carvers.  The Air Force must have ignited Wayne's love for airplanes, as he earned his pilot's license, purchased an airplane, and also flew model airplanes and attended many air shows. Wayne cherished the experience of the October 2016 Honor Flight trip he and his son, Wayne Jr, made to Washington D.C.  In all things, he loved the conversation and comradery of his fellow friends and hobbyists.  Wayne was a devoted, loving (and fun-loving) husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, volunteer and friend.

Wayne is survived by his wife, Susan K. Johnson; 5 children, Deborah A. Campbell, Wayne (Deborah) Johnson, Jr., Lori (Matt) Blaschke, Michele (Glen Pilkington) Bobele, Michael David (Janice) Bobele; brother, Robert Johnson; numerous grandchildren and great- grandchildren.

Wayne was also preceded in death by his 3 children, Susan M. Johnson, Catherine Wilson, and Alice Vendl; sister, Shirley M. Beaudry.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to North Webster SPEC.

A Visitation for Wayne will be Friday, July 26, 2019 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 12 Noon at Rees Funeral Home, Hobart Chapel, 600 W. Old Ridge Rd., Hobart with burial at Graceland Cemetery.  Please go to www.reesfuneralhomes.com to extend condolences.

There is a pending memorial service for Wayne's local friends at the Senior Room.