Michael Lawrence Johnson

Michael L. Johnson, 83 of Ravenna, went to be with the Lord Sunday, May 3, 2026, at UH Portage Medical Center in Ravenna. He was born on October 5, 1942, in Ravenna to Charles "Chick" and Mary Nina (Twitt) Johnson. Married for 65 years to his high school sweetheart, Shirley, they shared a deep love of nature. They enjoyed tending to their 13-acre paradise in the woods, yearly camping trips to Benezette to be with the Elk, and a love for the West Virginia mountains. These excursions often included precious time with their grandchildren, family, and friends. Travel to South Carolina, Pennsylvania, and California to be with their daughters and their families entailed many exciting adventures. Grace Episcopal Church was his spiritual home for most of his life. The community at Grace is a tight-knit family. His daily morning prayer list was an essential part of his personal ministry and love for all people. Mike was beloved for his passion for supporting and encouraging everyone he met. As a lineman, he was an avid collector of insulators. Trains, colored glass, wood carvings, art, paintings, and trees were all his passions. And music. His greatest love and passion was his beautiful and devoted wife, Shirley. As a young man, he worked with his dad at Davey Tree for 3 years, then spent 37 years at Ohio Edison in Warren, retiring in 2002. He was a member of Unity Lodge #12 F&AM in Ravenna, Mile Branch Grange #933, Columbiana Pomona Grange, Ohio State Grange, and the National Grange. Survivors include his wife Shirley (Franks), children Deborah (Phillip) Farmer and Susan Kay (Larry) Wyatt, son-in-law Stephen Duty, grandchildren Charles (Racheal) Craine, Samantha (Austin Mann) Duty, Kelly (Dalton) Hagen, Alan Farmer, and Enzo Wyatt, great-grandchildren Shiloh Mann, Ariana, Briana, and Charlotte Craine, and beloved niece and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, Judith Duty, and a brother, Billy T. Johnson. At his request, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, May 9, 2026 at Grace Episcopal Church, 250 West Cedar Avenue, Ravenna, Ohio 44266. Reception after service in the fellowship hall. Shirley and family are grateful to friends and family for all of the prayers, love, and support in every way.