Denver Johnson, age 90, of Shelby passed away on Saturday morning, March 7, 2026 at Crestwood Care Center.
Denver was born on April 14, 1935, in Salyersville, Kentucky to the late John and Ida (Shepherd) Johnson. He spent his younger years living in Kentucky, before marrying the love of his life, Velva (Shepherd) Johnson on June 5, 1956. The two then moved to Shiloh, where they raised their nine children. Denver worked as a general laborer for Sterling Foundry making Iron Castings for over 30 years before his retirement.
Having a true green thumb, he found great joy in gardening. Many summers, Denver maintained two or even three gardens at a time, proudly using the vegetables he grew to help feed his family. He loved being outdoors and spent as much time there as he could. His appreciation for nature extended to the wildlife around him, and was known to befriend raccoons and squirrels that became something like outdoor pets. He also enjoyed cutting firewood, which helped heat the family home, and he continued doing so well into his 80s. In his younger years, Denver was a fan of racing and enjoyed attending dirt track races at the Mansfield Raceway Park, as well as following NASCAR.
He is survived by his eight children, Christopher Johnson of Shiloh, Ohio, Donald (Debra) Johnson of Monroeville, Ohio, Arvel Johnson of Shiloh, Ohio, Morgan (Margaret) Johnson of Shiloh, Jody (Jennifer) Johnson of Mansfield, Ohio, Alan (Tammie) Johnson of Shelby, Marie (David) Stephens of Plymouth, Ohio, Angel (Rudy Oney) Lewis of Mansfield, Ohio; 29 grandchildren; four sisters, Allafair Ousley of Gary, Indiana, Oma Stephens of VanLear Kentucky, Sueann Shepherd of Ivyton, Kentucky, Barbara Spradlin of Ivyton, Kentucky; numerous great-grandchildren; as well as countless nieces, nephews, other relatives and close friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Velva Johnson, infant son Denver Johnson, Jr.; daughter Eva Bradford, and three brothers, Sam, Jimmy and Frank Johnson.
Friends may visit at the Barkdull Funeral Home & Crematory in Shelby from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM Thursday, March 12, 2026. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM at the funeral home the following day on Friday. Pastor David Montgomery will officiate with interment held at the Mt. Hope Cemetery in Shiloh.
Memories and condolences for the family may be left online at www.barkdullfuneralhome.com.
Funeral Home: Barkdull Funeral Home & Crematory
Website: www.barkdullfuneralhome.com