Robert Lee Johnson

Robert Lee Johnson, age 80, of Cambridge, Ohio passed away Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at his home after a battle with cancer.

He was born on March 18, 1945, in Birmingham, Ohio. He was the son of Trenton and Florence (Rankin) Johnson.

He was a 1964 graduate of Cambridge High School and an Army veteran.

He was a member of Stop Nine Church of Christ for 48 years, where he and his wife served the church family for six years as communion prep volunteers.

He lived for several years in the Children's Home in Cambridge under the supervision of Mr. and Mrs. Bell. This is where he learned to plant a vegetable garden and work it to harvest it.

He was known to his friends as "Bob" and as "Pop" to Rob and Kelly.

He enjoyed music and playing percussion for many bands over the years. He played for over 50 years for the Cambridge City Band under the direction of Berk Jones. He also did many annual performances with the Cambridge singers and other local groups. One of the first groups that he worked with was the "Al Brown Trio" and the last band was "Up to No Good" with numerous bands in between these.

He enjoyed camping, tinkering in his garage, and helping friends with their home projects. In later years he would enjoy coffee with the guys and sitting at home on the deck that he built.

Bob worked for VanDyne Crotty Company as a driver and delivery man and with the trucking company at Colgate Palmolive Plant. He also was a driver for South- East Area Transit. After retiring he continued to be self-employed delivering stone, mulch and other materials to area residents. He always wanted to be busy as long as his health allowed him to do odd jobs and play his drums.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, one half- brother and wife, Leroy and Betty Rankin. He is also preceded in death by many other half- siblings, including Bernice Johnson, Bill Johnson, and "Pickle" Johnson.

He is survived by his wife, Linda of 48 years, his son, Robert "Rob" (& Christine) Johnson of Mineral City, Ohio, his daughters, Kelly Johnson of Cambridge; his step- daughters, Deanna Stephen and Jennifer (& Shane) Smith, both of Cambridge; and his step- sons, Jim Burke and Jon Burke. Also surviving to cherish his memory are his grandchildren, Tia Johnson of Pensacola, FL, Keira Johnson of Oxford, OH, Cody (& Kaci) Cole, Noah St. Clair, Chase Stephen, Cole Stephen; Laken (& Chance) Williamson of Medina, Jason and Thembie; and his great- grandsons, Greyson Cole, Ronan and Callum Williamson; and Braidyn McFarland.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Bob's name to the charity of your choice.

Visitation will be held at Thorn- Black Funeral Home in Cambridge on Friday, January 16, 2026, from 11AM to 1PM with a service to follow at 1PM. Woody Biggs will officiate the service with burial to follow at Guernsey Memory Gardens Cemetery with military honors by the Guernsey County Veterans Council.