Rev. Gordon Eugene Johnson, 91, of London, Ohio, entered the Church Triumphant after a lifetime devoted to faith, service, and community. Born December 27, 1934, in Rockford, Ohio, he was the son of Rev. Dr. Ora Emmett and Pearl Leila (Terry) Johnson and the second of five children: Duane, Princess, Phyllis, and Cheryl.

Raised in a parsonage family, Gordon’s call to ministry took root early. He graduated from DeVilbiss High School in Toledo in 1951 at just 16 years old. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Toledo at 19 years old in 1954, followed by a Master of Divinity from United Theological Seminary in Dayton in 1958. He was ordained that same year in the Evangelical United Brethren Church, with his father assisting in the service—an honor he cherished throughout his life.

In 1958, God brought Ruthanne Reiter of Fostoria, Ohio into his life in a miraculous way. On June 28, 1959, they married. Their marriage of unwavering partnership and devotion became the foundation of his ministry and life. In 1968, he furthered his education with a Master’s Degree in Sociology and a minor in Philosophy from Bowling Green State University.

One month before his seminary schooling began, Rev. Johnson began his ministry in Lakeview, Ohio, and later served as Associate Pastor at Trinity E.U.B. Church in Bowling Green. In 1961, he transferred his credentials to the United Presbyterian Church (USA) and pastored congregations in Deshler and North Baltimore for six and a half years.

In 1967, he accepted the call to First Presbyterian Church (USA) in London, Ohio, where he would serve faithfully for the next 50 years. During his remarkable 62‑year ministry, he guided congregations through major building programs—despite often joking that he hoped never to lead another one. His pastoral record reflects the depth of his commitment: 829 baptisms, 465 marriages, and 751 funerals. Upon his retirement on November 30, 2017, the congregation honored him with the title Pastor Emeritus.

Rev. Johnson’s leadership extended far beyond the local church. He served the Presbytery of Scioto Valley as Moderator (1994–1995), a year in which the church was struggling with the ordination rights of gay clergy and lay officers of which he was supportive. He chaired and/or served on most of the presbytery’s committees, led stewardship and mission workshops, co‑initiated and co-led the Junior High Summer Music Camp, and volunteered in Biloxi, Mississippi, for Hurricane Katrina relief with his wife. He represented the presbytery on the Synod of the Covenant’s Commission studying poverty and social conditions in Mexico City and rural Ixmiquilpan, traveling there to see the conditions first hand. Nationally, he was elected three times as a commissioner to the General Assembly and chaired the committee addressing the church’s response to violence and political turmoil in Central America.

In the London community, Gordon was a tireless volunteer. At Madison Health, he served as a Certified Hospital Chaplain, participated on the Incident Reviewing Committee, helped plan the Hospice House, supported the Free Health Clinic, and volunteered with the Hospital Auxiliary. He taught sex education and provided grief counseling at London High School. He also served with the Food Cupboard, Loving Kindness Kitchen, and Help House, always seeking to meet people with compassion and dignity.

Rev. Johnson will be remembered for his steadfast faith, his deep love for people, his commitment to justice and service, and his ability to meet others with both wisdom and warmth. His life’s work touched thousands, and his legacy continues in the communities he strengthened and the lives he shaped.

Rev. Johnson was preceded in death by his parents and siblings. He leaves behind his wife of nearly 67 years, Ruthanne, his daughter Cindy (Rob) Newman, son Mark (Oanh) Johnson, daughter Julie (George) Johnson, and grandchildren Nick Newman, Drew Newman, Zach Newman, Leila Oswalt, Kyla Oswalt, Seth Johnson and Jace Johnson, as well as numerous beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, sister-in-law and brother-in-law.

The family cannot express enough gratitude for the care Rev. Johnson received throughout his cancer journey and especially over the last two months. This includes his medical team and caregivers through the cancer unit at Madison Health, The James and the Madison House.

Calling hours will be held on Monday, May 11, 2026 from 2:00-4:00pm and 6:00-8:00pm at the First Presbyterian Church in London. The celebration of life and committal services will be held on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at 11:00am at the church. Arrangements are being handled through the Eberle-Fisher Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully wishes gifts be given to either the First Presbyterian Church of London in Rev. Johnson’s memory or to Easy Water for Everyone https://www.easywaterforeveryone.org/donate, an organization Rev. Johnson and Ruthanne have deeply supported for many years.

Online condolences for the family may be shared at www.eberlefisherfuneralhome.com.