Daniel Johnson

     Daniel J. Johnson, age 34, a resident of Portland, passed away on Sunday, May 5, 2019 at IU Health Methodist Hospital following an extended illness.  

       Daniel was born on June 7, 1984 in Portland, the son of Darwin and Carla (Shockney) Johnson.  He graduated from Jay County High School in 2003 and earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Indiana University in 2008.  While in high school, Daniel was in the band and played golf and tennis.  He recently served as assistant coach for the girls tennis team at Jay County High School.  Daniel worked as an insurance agent at Bob and Sons Insurance in Portland. 

      Daniel was a fun-loving guy who enjoyed life. Daniel would be the “go-to guy” for summer holiday gatherings and was affectionately known as “Flash,” a nickname used because of his speed while playing volleyball.   He enjoyed cooking for his family and friends whenever possible. Daniel was known for his homemade meatballs and chocolate chip cookies and would deliver them to his friends during the holidays.  When asked about the recipe for the cookies, he would laugh and say, “The recipe is on the bag.”  

       Recently, Daniel could often be found at the Loblolly Marsh where he enjoyed the calmness of nature and bird watching.  He enjoyed playing pickleball and would convince some of his friends to eventually play with him.  

         Daniel’s true pride and joy was his niece, Gretchen.  Everyone would be greeted with a morning picture of them together when she visited.   

            Daniel is survived by:

            His parents:  Darwin and Carla Johnson – Portland, Indiana

            His grandmother:  Vera Johnson – Huntington, Indiana

            2 sisters:  Nicole Lucas (husband Charlie) – Martinsville, Indiana

                            Jessica Foreman (husband Nick) – Muncie, Indiana

            1 niece:  Gretchen Lucas

            Several aunts, uncles, and cousins

            A service to celebrate Daniel’s life will be held at 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 19, 2019 at Williamson-Spencer and Penrod Funeral Home in Portland.  Visitation will be held from 2-4 p.m. before the service at the funeral home. 

            Memorials may be directed towards Friends of the Limberlost, Jay Community Center for Pickleball or Jay County Cancer Society.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.