Robert "Rocky" Johnson Obituary (1945

Robert Merle Johnson, Jr. ("Rocky") July 5, 1945 - November 26, 2024 Robert Merle Johnson, Jr., known affectionately as Rocky, passed away peacefully at his home in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, on November 26, 2024. He was born on July 5, 1945, in Manhattan, Kansas, to Robert Johnson, Sr. and Thelma Darlene (Harper) Johnson. After graduating from Edison High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Rocky enlisted in the United States Navy. He proudly served from July 1965 to July 1971. During his service, he was stationed aboard a ship transporting Marines and equipment between the United States and Vietnam. Rocky received the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with Three Bronze Stars, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device (1960). Welding was a skill that would define his career and a lifelong hobby. He earned numerous welding certificates and worked in the trade for many years, but welding wasn't just a profession--it was also his passion. One of his greatest joys was using his welding expertise to build sprint cars, a hobby he cherished throughout his life. Rocky had another great love--motorcycles. He was an avid motorcyclist, and one of his proudest achievements was participating in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, where he raced his motorcycle up the iconic mountain. This was just one example of the adventurous spirit that defined his life. He is survived by his loving wife of 10 + 2 years, Janie Johnson. His eldest daughter, Challa Gregory, and her children, Kahili Karasawa and Preston Simmons will remember him fondly. Rocky's "bonus" children, Damon Ferebee, Addie (William) Thayer, Marcus (Katie) Peirce, and Ginney (Jason) Spiehs, along with their children, will always cherish his wacky sense of humor. He is also survived by his brother, Craig Johnson. Rocky was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Darlene Johnson, as well as his brothers Howard, Doug, and Ronnie, and his sister Janell. A graveside service with military honors will be held on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at the Esbon Cemetery in Jewell County, Kansas with the Rev. Gary Bennett officiating. Visitation will take place earlier that day, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Williams Funeral Home in Red Cloud, Nebraska. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the Broken Arrow Fire Department or Elara Caring of Broken Arrow in Rocky's memory. Williams Funeral Home 241 West 4th Avenue Red Cloud, Nebraska 68970 Phone 402-746-2500 williamsfuneralhomes@yahoo.com