ADRIAN: Russell John Johnson, age 78 of Adrian, Michigan, passed away on November 17, 2023.

Russell was born October 5, 1944 in Boise Idaho to Russell and Bertha Johnson. He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Leslie and his parents. He is survived by his son, Gregory (Kimberly) Johnson of Gardiner Montana, and his granddaughter, Madison (Zach) Johnson–Robertson of Canton Michigan. He is also survived by his sisters, Betty (Mike) Haley, Theresa Johnson, brother, Robert Johnson and many nieces and nephews.

Russ retired from Ford Motor Company in Rawsonville, MI after over 40 years. He had a brilliant mind for creating anything mechanical and problem solving. He was an excellent welder, electrician, and fabricator. He designed and built the house that he, his wife Leslie, and son Greg lived in. He had a special fondness for anything with wheels, including his Harley that he built in the 70s. Most recently, he built his own all-electric three wheeled vehicle that was a hit at all the car shows he took it to. He shared a lot of great memories racing remote controlled cars. He enjoyed it so much that he built his own race track named Lazer Speedway. Many life-long friendships were developed at the track.

If Russ wasn’t out in his barn creating or racing RC cars, you could find him road tripping across the US with his family in the RV, sometimes in search of dark skies for stargazing, at the shooting range, or watching sci-fi movies.

A Celebration of Life will be held in his honor at a later date.