Robert Byron Johnson, 88, passed away peacefully on March 23, 2026, at Beckett House in New Concord, Ohio.

He was born on August 23, 1937, to Charlie and Wilma Johnson of Chandlersville, Ohio. He attended Chandlersville Schools and worked in construction for many years. He was a member of Laborer’s International Union, Local 530, and later retired from the United Mine Workers Union at Central Ohio Coal.

Robert spent his years working hard and enjoying the interests that meant the most to him. He lived in the Chandlersville area his entire life, where he farmed a small farm and took great interest in breeding and showing animals. He was passionate about raising and showing llamas, earning many awards and finding success at shows across the country. He was also a lifetime member of Chandlersville Global Methodist Church, a 60-year member of the Masonic Lodge and the International Llama Association.

He was married to his high school sweetheart, Wanda (Leedom), until her death in 1977. He later married Barbara (Wisenbarger), who survives. He is survived by his wife of forty-six years, Barbara; his children, Craig Johnson of Colorado (Julie), Carla Founds of Thornville, Ohio (Brian), and Scott Suchland of Hopewell, Ohio (Susan), whom he raised as his own; and daughter-in-law Brenda Johnson, wife of his late son, Van Johnson, who passed away November 23, 1999.

His grandchildren include Cody Johnson (Hannah), Kylie Johnson, Charsey Johnson, Jason Founds (Sara), Megan Adkins (Kyle), Mikayla Sharpshair (Evan), Bryce Suchland, Joseph Suchland, and Lainey Thomas (Christopher). He was also preceded in death by his grandson, Dalton Johnson (December 13, 1998). He is survived by ten great-grandchildren and two on the way.

He is also survived by his siblings, Don Johnson (Jenny) of Chandlersville and Bonnie Pruitt (Loyd) of London, Ohio.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Wanda; his son, Van Johnson; his brother, Larry Johnson; and his sister, Linda Smith (Bill).

Calling hours will be held on Friday, March 27, 2026, from 3 PM to 7 PM at the Farus Funeral Home of New Concord. Masonic services will be held at 7 PM provided by the Gage and Gavel Lodge #448. Calling hours will also be held the next day from 10 AM to 11 AM, with a funeral service following at 11 AM, at the Chandlersville Global Methodist Church, 9105 Chandlersville Road in Chandlersville. Burial will follow at Salt Creek Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Chandlersville Global Methodist Church.

Having lived life his own way, he still managed to outlast Chuck Norris.

www.farusfh.com