Robert Johnson, 90, Indianapolis, IN passed away June 25, 2018.
Exactly one week before the 2nd Winter Olympic Games opened, Robert was born to Ralph and Francis Johnson on February 5, 1928 in Indianapolis. Vernon was Robert’s older brother and Jay would be the youngest. Robert and his brothers survived the Great Depression and closely followed the events of WWII on the radio. At the age of 20, Robert entered the Navy Reserves, serving as a radioman.
A few years later, he married Barbara Shepard. They had all boys too: Mike in 1952, Brian in 1955, Keith in 1957, and Mark in 1960.
Robert spent most of his career as a photographer, but he made time for his two hobbies: magic and woodworking. He had performed magic for several years and hobnobbed with some of the finest magicians of his day. He also crafted many museum-quality items in his wood shop, including grandfather clocks, a stitching horse, and the Gothic front door of a castle.
His second wife was Jeanne Sharpnack. They lived in Oaklandon; however, they traveled about everywhere—including Hawaii.
Robert was generous, humorous, fastidious, and could fix just about anything. He was president of the Home Craftsman Forum and taught chess at the Krannert YMCA. (He even played an exhibition game with Bobby Fischer.)
He was loved by his family and is already greatly missed.
Jon Ogle says
Bob was a co worker and a great friend. One of a kind.
Jon Ogle