NORMAN E. JOHNSON

Norman E. Johnson, age 77, also lovingly known by family and friends as "Gene," "Strawberry," and "Boz," of Fort Wayne, IN passed away from heart failure after back surgery at 1:53 a.m. Sunday, July 1, 2012 at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne.Born March 18, 1935 in Richland Township, Whitley County, IN, he was the son of Leonard and Mary (Barr) Johnson.

He grew up in Noble County where he graduated from Albion High School with the Class of 1953.After graduation, he served in the United States Army Reserves.On December 20, 1970, he married Sue Ellen Stangland in Noble County.He was employed by Navistar for 30 years; worked in the insurance field for 27 years; andowned Johnson's Strawberry Farm where he raised strawberries and produce for 42 years. An Indiana high school basketball enthusiast, he coached high school basketball, youth basketball and traveled the state attending basketball games.His memberships included American Legion Post #0047 of Fort Wayne and Indiana Basketball Coaches Association.

Survivors include Sue Johnson of Wolf Lake; daughter, Kerri L. Johnson of Kendallville; sons, Jeremy J. (Linda) Johnson of Noblesville and Joshua J. (Joanna) Johnson of Greenfield; four grandsons, Dallas, Jedi, Brady and Colt; step daughters, Tami Sierra of Fort Wayne and Becky Reidenbach of South Bend; brother, James L. (Anna) Johnson of Columbia City; two step grandchildren, Joseph and Donielle; three step great grandchildren, Nevaeh, Tristin and Brooklyn. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by daughter, Kelli L. Johnson; sisters, Virginia, Mary Alice and Eunice; and brother, Don Johnson.

Visitation is Thursday, July 5, 2012 from 3-8 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City.Funeral service is Friday, July 6, 2012 at 11 a.m. with calling one hour prior to service at the funeral home with Pastor Steve Pulley officiating.Burial to follow at Christian Chapel Cemetery, Merriam.Memorials may be given in memory of Mr. Johnson to Greenfield-Central Boy's Basketball with checks payable to GCYBB.