Walter Allen Johnson, 81, passed away on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at his residence. Walter was born on August 27, 1944, to the late Willard and Gladys (Hollinger) Johnson in Mansfield, Ohio.
He was a gifted master mechanic who took great pride in maintaining Carter Machine and in serving the State of Ohio as a plowman, most notably working tirelessly through the Blizzard of 1978. Walter also served as a private mechanic for Dr. Manthy, a role that grew into a cherished friendship that he valued greatly.
Walter married his beloved wife, Sarah (Staats) Johnson, on February 7, 1970. Together, they built a life rooted in love, devotion, and unwavering partnership, cherishing 53 beautiful years side by side before her passing on November 19, 2021.
Walter found joy in the simple, meaningful rhythms of life. He loved tending his garden, finding peace with his hands in the soil and pride in watching things grow. A natural tinkerer, he was rarely still-always taking something apart, fixing it, or putting it back together better than before. Brilliant with mechanics, Walter had a gift for understanding how things worked and a quiet satisfaction in making them right again.
He delighted in spoiling his grandchildren, never missing a chance to make them smile-often with a sweet treat pulled from his ever-present shirt pocket. Known for his fondness for sweets and his trademark black jeans, Walter will be remembered for his warmth, curiosity, generosity, and the love he shared so freely with those around him.
Left to cherish Walter’s memory are his children, Marie Plank and Mandy (Troy) Shaw; his grandchildren, Robin Fraley, Kaitlynn Wambaa, Brooke (Ravi) Mandalapoo, Marcelo Reyes, Luke Reyes, Haley (Derek) Amert, Natalie Conkel, and Tamara (Michael) Brown; his great-grandchildren, Gabriella, Aceyn, Kaia, Nia, Stella, Sofia, Julian, Teddy, Blakely, Via, Amelia, and Naomi; and his siblings, Waive, Willa, Winifred, Wanita, and Wendy.
In addition to his parents and his beloved wife, Sarah, Walter was preceded in death by his daughter, Connie Castro, and his siblings, Sonny, Wanda, Patty, Wynne, Warren, Wayne, William, and George.
Friends may call on Friday, January 30, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Gompf Funeral Service – Galion Chapel, 303 Portland Way N., Galion. A funeral service will follow immediately at 11:00 a.m.
Those wishing to share a memory of Walter or send condolences to the Johnson family may do so by visiting www.masfh.com.
The Gompf Funeral Service – Galion Chapel, 303 Portland Way N., is honored to serve the family of Walter Allen Johnson.
Funeral Home: Gompf Funeral Service – Galion Chapel
Website: www.masfh.com