Roger D. Johnson, 75

On January 1, 2021, Roger was hospitalized with COVID-19, on January 28, 2021 he was sent home to be in Hospice In Home Care. On April 16, 2021 his battle ended.

Roger was born September 26, 1945, in Wheeling, West Virginia to William A. “Squire” and Betty H. Johnson.

In 1961 his family moved to Hope and he graduated from Hauser High School in 1963. He joined East Columbus Volunteer Fire Department and remained a member for 20 years, serving as chief some of that time. During that time, he worked at Dunlap , Irwin Union Bank and Cummins Engine Company. Soon after that he started his career in the fire service industry as a sales rep for Midwest Fire and Safety, now Global Emergency Products and Elkhart Brass as well training and technical advisor to Indianapolis Fire Department, an instructor to Ohio Fire Academy, Kentucky State Fire School and numerous other fire service training programs. He also served on the Greenwood Volunteer Fire Department and Harrison Township Fire Department.

In 2004 Governor Mitch Daniels asked him to serve as State Fire Marshall, which he did until 2008. During this time, he started the process to create The Indiana Fire Academy. He was president of the Indiana Firefighters Association, honorary member of Hamblen Fire, Edinburgh Fire & Rescue, city of Columbus Fire Department and the Lexington, Kentucky Fire Department.

Over his time in the fire service, he had the privilege to meet many outstanding people and develop some wonderful relationships. One that was dear to his heart was being the first honorary member to Fair Play Fire Company #1 in Madison, which is Indiana’s oldest established fire department in 1841. He was Columbus Township Trustee and Bartholomew County Special Deputy. It was his honor to serve Governor Mitch Daniels, and has been awarded Sagamore of the Wabash from Governor Mike Pence and Governor Eric Holcomb. He always had the greatest respect and admiration for all firefighters and first responders.

Preceding him in death are his parents and his faithful companion, Maggie.

Surviving are his sister, Eris Johnson and his faithful companion, Jake.

A special thank you to Hospice, especially Elizabeth and Amanda for their wonderful care at home and to the staff at Our hospice of South Central Indiana Inpatient Center. Also, a thank you to James and Melissa Seniours for all their care and love and to our friend Bryan Boyd for his help and support.

In keeping with Roger’s wishes, cremation will take place and a celebration of life will be held at a later and hopefully safer, date.

Memorial contributions may be made to either of the following, Our Hospice of South Central Indiana, the Columbus Firefighters Cheer Fund or The Hoosier Burn Group, P.O. Box 233, Battle Ground, Indiana 47920.

Online condolences and special memories maybe shared with Rogers’s family at barkesweaverglick.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Barkes, Weaver & Glick Funeral Home.