Roger L. “Perk” Johnson, age 88, of Marion, passed away Tuesday, March 14, 2017 in his home after a long courageous battle with cancer.

Roger was born October 30, 1928 in The Plains, Ohio the son of the late Gilbert and Ethel (Christman) Johnson.  Roger was a Staff Sergeant in the United States Air Force, serving during the Korean Conflict.  He worked at RCA from 1953 to 1956.  He then worked in tool and die on the K & L Line at the Marion General Motors Plant (formerly Fisher Body) for 32 years until his retirement in 1988.

Roger was an avid golfer and traveled the United States and Canada to play.  He was a former Grant County Amateur golf champion and his team also placed first in the Grant County Cancer Tournament.  He was also an avid card player, especially Texas Hold 'Em.  He liked to hang out with his friends at the river where he was known as “The Mayor of the Dam”.  He also played softball for many years for Local 977 (U.A.W.).  He lived most all of his life in Indiana but remained a Buckeye at heart. 

He was a member of the V.F.W. Post 7403; the American Legion Post 10; and the Amvets Post 5, all of Marion.  He was also a former member of the Marion Moose Lodge #253, the U.A.W. Local 977 and the Elks Country Club #195. 

Roger is survived by his daughters, Teresa Johnson of Marion and Linn Alexander (Steven) of Nineveh, Indiana; sister, Elizabeth Girouard; three grandchildren, September Abell, and Shawn & Zach Alexander; 3 great-grandchildren, Lilly Abell, Boden Abell and Noah Stout; nieces, Jan (Jerry) Ziegler, Teri Michael and Tammy Bergener; nephew, Eddie Michael; several great nieces and nephews; and his guardian angel here on earth, Michelle Hart.

He was also preceded in death by brothers, Dow, Forest and William Johnson, sisters, Irene Hanning and Dolores Johnson; and two sons-in-law, David Hall and Robert Bandy.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. Monday, March 20, 2017 in Raven-Choate Funeral Home, 1202 Kem Road, Marion, Indiana.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 21, 2017 in the funeral home with Pastor John Walton officiating.

Burial will follow funeral services in Gardens of Memory, Huntington County, Indiana.

Memorial contributions may be made to Cancer Services of Grant County, 305 S. Norton Avenue, Tower Suites, Marion, Indiana 46952; or to the Marion Parks and Recreation Department, 301 S. Branson Street, Marion, Indiana 46952.

Online condolences may be made at www.ravenchoate.com

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