VAN JOHNSON – BUTLER
Van “Haney” Johnson, 64, passed February 25 2023 after an ongoing battle with cancer, surrounded by family at home. He was born January 13, 1959 in Mansfield, the son of Herman “Tommy” and June (Richardson) Johnson.
Van attended Clear Fork High School. He worked for many years as a heavy equipment operator which took him all over the country and was a jack of all trades. His favorite things were being on the lake with a fishing pole in hand or in the woods morel hunting. Close friends often referred to him as “the mushroom whisperer” because you could be sure in the early spring, when the ground was just beginning to thaw and the woods were coming back to life Van would show up in town with what looked like just a clump of dirt. But that clump of dirt was filled with morel mushrooms barely visible to the naked eye. And we all know if we asked where he found ‘em, the answer we would get was “in the woods”. He also enjoyed hunting ginseng and picking and preparing birds toe, poke, and watercress. He loved his family and bragged about his grandchildren whenever he had the chance.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Tommy and June. He is survived by his son Justin Hurrell (Erin Gorrell) of Bellville, and his daughter Amber Johnson (Cash Lyon) of Butler; three grandchildren Ava Carr, Amelia Hurrell, and Colt Lyon, and step-grandaughter Alivia Mayo-Lyon; two sisters Debra (Nick) Oswalt and Shelly Johnson and one brother Tommy (Susan) Johnson; many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews and lifelong friend Brent Mellott.
A celebration of life will be held March 11, 2023 11am-5pm Butler Event Center | 111 Elm St | Butler OH 44822 (Next to the old Hi-Lo)
Memorial contributions may be made to the family to assist with final expenses.
Funeral home : Ohio Cremation & Memorial Society
