David Johnson

David L. Johnson, age 84, of Portland passed away Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025, in IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie. 

He was born in Portland on Nov. 8, 1940, the son of Runo and Laura (Teeters) Johnson. He was married on June 15, 1962, to Mary Butcher and she passed away on April 19, 2024. 

David had worked for International Harvester for 30 years. He was a 1958 Portland High School graduate and vice president of Cleveland Browns Backers Club.

Surviving are one son, Shawn Johnson (fiancé: Laura O’Brien) of Portland; two daughters, Cindy Bessesen (husband: Tim) of Portland and Jackie Spice (husband: David) of Berne; sister Ruth McLaughlin of Portland; and three grandchildren, Tyler Spice, Layla O’Brien and Lynx Johnson. 

He was preceded in death by a brother, Paul Johnson.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, Sept. 19, at 1 p.m. in the Baird-Freeman Funeral Home with Pastor Earl Doll presiding. Burial will follow in the Green Park Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Memorials can be made to the Jay County Heart Fund.

Condolences may be expressed at bairdfreeman.com.