Russell Barker Johnson, 85, of Anderson, passed away on Jan. 19, 2013, at his home.
He was born Sept. 16, 1927, in Huntington, Ind., the son of Mildred (Barker) and Russell B. Johnson. He graduated from Huntington High School, and went on to serve in the U.S. Navy. Following that, he completed his studies at Indiana University, graduating in 1950. While at I.U., he was active in student government, serving on the board of Aeons and was a member of the Mid-Century Club. Following college, he moved to Anderson, where he joined the personnel department of Delco Remy.
On Aug. 22, 1953, he married Laurale’ Rozelle in Anderson. Following their marriage, came an introduction to the operations of Harold E. Rozelle Funeral Home. He began to pursue a career in funeral service, and became a licensed funeral director in 1954, devoting the remainder of his life to funeral service, and retiring as President of Rozelle-Johnson Funeral Service. Russell continued his education further, receiving an MBA from Anderson University in 1994. He was constantly busy with a variety of professional and community activities.
On a professional level, Russell served as a director for National Selected Morticians from 1968-1971, President of the Indiana Funeral Directors Association in 1984, served on the National Foundation of Funeral Service, and taught at the Indianapolis Mortuary School. He served as an industry spokesman regarding funeral trade practices, appearing before Congressional hearings on behalf of his colleagues.
Russell was passionate about scouting. He became a Boy Scout as a young man, joining troop 123 in Huntington, and earning his Eagle rank with a bronze palm in 1941. Because scouting had such a profound influence on his early years, he wanted other young men to have the same experience with scouting. He continued to serve the Scouts as an adult leader with troop 322 in Anderson, the same troop with which his own son would later receive the Eagle rank. He served as a high adventure leader to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, two years as District Chairman for the Sakima District BSA, two years as vice president of the Eastern Section of Cross Roads of America Council, and Council president in 1989. He was awarded both the Silver Beaver and Silver Antelope for his dedication to scouting.
In the local community, he served on the United Way Board, serving as board chairman and a campaign chairman. He was a longtime Kiwanian, serving the Mounds Kiwanis Club in many capacities and also served as a Kiwanis District Lieutenant Governor. He was instrumental in the establishment of Mays Park Ice Rink and served on its advisory board. He was active in the Historical West 8th Street Society, Paramount Theatre Heritage Foundation, East Central Indiana Regional Food Bank, Anderson Fine Arts Foundation, Anderson Bicentennial Commission, Anderson Gaslight Festival, and the Edgewood Town Board. He received the Exchange Club Golden Deeds Award, Mayor’s Chief Anderson Award, and the Lions Club Distinguished Citizenship Award for his dedicated service to his community.
Russell was a member of the First Church of Christ, Scientist, Anderson, Tourist Club, a 50-year member of the Amity Lodge 483 F. & A.M. in Huntington, and the Valley of the Indianapolis Scottish Rite.
He is survived by his wife, Laurale’, his two children, Laura (husband, Bill) Beeler and Harold (wife, Brooke) Johnson; three granddaughters, Lauren Beeler, Julia Beeler and Arabelle Johnson; and his cousin, Jane Ann Hullinger of Ossian.
Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2013, at the Rozelle-Johnson Funeral Service, 229 S. Rangeline Road, Anderson. Private family services and burial will take place at East Maplewood Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be given to Cross Roads of America Council Boy Scouts of America, 7125 Fall Creek Road North, Indianapolis, IN 46256, The Paramount Theatre, or the Anderson Symphony Orchestra, both at 1124 Meridian St., Anderson, IN 46016.