Van W. Johnson

Van W. Johnson, of Bellefontaine, Ohio, passed away peacefully at his home on September 14, 2026. He was born on June 25, 1947, in Blackfork, Ohio.

Van was an Army veteran who proudly served his country. He was stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas, as a member of the 1st Infantry Division, "The Big Red One."

Van retired from the City of Bellefontaine Water Department, where he dedicated many years to serving the community. His work took him throughout Bellefontaine, walking the neighborhoods and reading water meters. Along the way, he made countless friends and became a familiar and welcome face around town.

One of Van's favorite chapters in his life was running The Pink House, a business his father previously owned. The "Shack" allowed Van to carry on a family tradition while doing something he truly enjoyed-being around people, sharing stories, and making new friends.

Van was a quiet provider at heart. As a father and partner, he worked hard to ensure the people he loved were cared for. He was known for his laugh. It was a sound that could fill a room, and you always knew when Van was there.

Van enjoyed fishing, spending time with friends at the Moose, and most importantly, playing his favorite numbers. He was also a passionate sports fan who loved the Cleveland Browns, Ohio State Buckeyes, and Cleveland Indians.

Van will be lovingly remembered by his daughters, Yvette Johnson, Melissa Williams, and Vantessa (Jeff) Wilcoxon. He was previously married to Marcia Johnson, with whom he shared his three daughters.

Van is also survived by his partner, Lesa Jordan, and her sons, Quinn Michael, Travis Organ, and Christopher Spradlin; his siblings, Eddie (Gwen) Johnson, Lolita (Frank) Barnett, Marshieliah (Chuck) Ladd, and Sonseeraye (Maurice) Wilson; his grandchildren, Merissa (Tyler) Cooper, Johnny Williams Jr., Ryan Rogan, Mariah Williams, Amari Hunsicker, Blakley Wilcoxon, and Kai Wilcoxon; and his great-grandchildren, Tylin Cooper, Fi'Knix Williams, and Teagan Rogan.

Van was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin E. Johnson and Gloria Galliamore-Johnson; his infant daughter, Gabrielle Johnson; and his sister and brother-in-law, Madeline (Lawerence) Richey.

Visitation will be from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Friday, September 18, 2026, at the Eichholtz & Daring Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 321 N. Main Street, Bellefontaine. The family will hold a private burial at Highland Memorial Cemetery in West Liberty.

EICHHOLTZ & DARING FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTER, BELLEFONTAINE is honored to serve the Johnson family and encourages anyone to share a fond memory or message of condolence at eichholtzdaring.com(Family Authored Obituary)KVH