Ronald Lee Johnson

January 31, 1940 – March 7, 2025

Ronald Lee Johnson, 85, Sheridan, passed away on Friday morning, March 7, 2025, at Sanders Glen Assisted Living Center in Westfield. Born January 31, 1940, in Noblesville, he was the son of the late Malcolm and Mary (McVey) Palmer.

He, along with his wife Miriam, attended Six Points Church in Sheridan.

After graduating from Sheridan High School with the Class of 1958, he continued his education at General Motors Institute (now Kettering University). Two years into his studies at GMI, he was called to service. Ronald honorably served his country during the Vietnam era as a medic with the United States Army. After his return, he eventually found his way back to the automotive industry in a way that fit him perfectly. For 40 years he worked as a self-employed salesman for Midwest Wheeltronics, selling equipment to the automotive service and repair industry. His infectious smile and genuine personality, with a little bit of ornery thrown in for good measure, made him an excellent salesman. With so many years in the business and all of the trips that were made to visit his clients, Ronald knew just about every “secret” place in his territory that had a slice (or two) of peach pie, or a scoop (or two) of butter pecan ice cream, so delicious it made you think you were tasting it for the first time.

It wasn’t all work and no play with Ronald. He always loved finding activities that got him outside. From hunting and fishing to golf and gardening, there never seemed to be enough time to get it all in – but he sure tried. When it was time to slow down a bit, lounging in front of the TV watching his favorite programs was how he spent his time. He loved older shows like The Andy Griffith Show and M*A*S*H the best and was always up for a John Wayne western. However, if the Cubs were playing, all of that went out the window; nothing took precedence over a Cubs game.

Ronald is survived by two sons, Daniel Lee Johnson (Marylou) of Hudson, Fla., and Michael Allen Johnson (Laura) of Sheridan; his daughter, Mary Kathleen “Kathy” Elliott (Michael) of Westfield; and by his four grandchildren, Michelle Martinkovic (Matt), Amy Talbott (Jared), David Johnson (Darbie), and Ashley Elliott; and four great-grandchildren, Natalie, Mason, Jack, and Luke. He loved and cherished every minute he was able to spend with them. Their presence always helped keep their “Grandpa Ryan” focused on the time they were lucky enough to have together. Also surviving are two brothers, Steve Palmer (Sandy) of Madison, Ind., and Robert Palmer (Kay) of Noblesville; and his sister, Lylith Lardon of Indianapolis.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Malcolm and Mary (McVey) Palmer; and by his loving wife of 62 years (and high school sweetheart), Miriam (Childers) Johnson, on January 15, 2021. She and Ronald were married on February 18, 1961. He was also preceded in death by his Jack Russell terrier (and constant companion), Miss Macy. If you ask the kids, they would jokingly tell you that dad loved her more than them most of the time.

Services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at Kercheval Funeral Home, 306 E. 10th St., Sheridan, with visitation from noon until the time of service. Burial with Military Honors will follow at Spencer Cemetery in Sheridan. Pastor Paul Mumaw will be officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be presented to the Special Olympics of Indiana.

Condolences: kerchevalfuneralhome.com