JOHNSON Rev. Joe E. Johnson, 96, of Mt. Sterling, died at 7:00PM Sunday, August 18, 2013 in The Sterling Place in Mount Sterling. Born July 31, 1917 in Nelsonville, OH, he was a son of Frank E. and Lena (Hayman) Johnson. A U.S. Army veteran of WWII, Joe had served for over 70 years in the Church of Christ in Christian Union ministry, including 26 years as pastor of the church at Newport. He went on to serve as District Superintendent of the West Central District of the church, and then became pastor of the Circleville Bible College for 7 years. He was dedicated to serving others and spent untold hours serving the Inner City Mission in Columbus. Known affectionately as "Brother Joe" to a multitude of people whom he loved very much, he is survived by numerous nieces and nephews and a host of friends too numerous to mention. Joe was predeceased by his parents; 4 brothers, Lawrence, Jim, Frank, and Rev. Roy Johnson; 3 sisters, Margaret Clayton, Bertha Bartruff, and Rev. Mary Alice Johnson who served as a missionary for 50 years; 6 nephews; and a niece. Friends may call at the Mount Sterling Church of the Nazarene, 226 N. Market St., Mt. Sterling, OH 43143, from 3 to 8PM Tuesday. Funeral services will be conducted there at 11:00AM Wednesday with District Superintendent Rev. Joseph Duval and General Superintendent Dr. Thomas Hermiz officiating. Interment will follow in Paint Township Cemetery. Arrangements and services are under the direction of the EBERLE-FISHER FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY in London. If they wish, friends may make memorial contributions in Joe's memory to the Inner City Mission 842 Sullivant Ave., Columbus, OH 43223. Brother Joe received a Distinguished Service Award in 2007 from the Evangelism Commission of the Church of Christ in Christian Union. However, the greater rewards are those eternal investments in the lives of children and families over the years, people who experienced the transforming power of Christ experiencing a changed life. To God be the glory. Funeral Date: 2013-08-21