David H. Johnson

David Henry Johnson, age 79 of Galesburg, died on February 3, 2025. He was born on November 29, 1945, the son of Dewey and Flora (Brown) Johnson. Dave was born in the family home in a holler in Arnett, West Virginia. The family home was a simple home with a coal mine in the backyard. As a child his parents moved to Battle Creek for work and Dave joined them when he was 13 years old. He graduated from Battle Creek Central High School in 1964. While cruising down main street in Battle Creek with friends, he met a young woman in a passing car. Marcia Lake and Dave began dating after that encounter and were married on May 1, 1967. Dave worked for 28 years at Kellogg’s, until his retirement. He then began his work at Eaton Corp. as a test truck driver. He devised easier ways to gain access to work on the semi-truck transmissions. Dave was naturally skilled mechanically and always enjoyed working on cars and trucks. Even a week before he died, he was fixing Marcia’s car. His generosity and his skill had no boundaries. He loved to talk and socialize with friends and family and to meet new folks and have more conversations. He attended New Hope Church and the Salvation Army Church. Dave enjoyed playing the guitar with many of his friends. He played each week at the Scotts Community Center. He made many trips to Florida and West Virginia for swap meets, vacations and visiting family. He enjoyed talking to everyone along the way.

His family includes his wife Marcia Johnson; his daughters: Jody (Harry) Waite and Jennifer (Craig) Copeland; his grandchildren: Alissa Waite, Paige Copeland, Kaleb Copeland, and Ashley Waite; his brother Harry Johnson; his sister Valley Wright and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Andy Brown and his sister Virginia Standish. 

A musical memorial gathering will be held on Sunday, February 9th from 12:00-3:00 PM at the Scotts Community Center, 8450 36th Street South, Scotts, MI 49088. His musician friends are encouraged to bring their instruments and join the open mic to celebrate Dave’s life. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Dave may be made to the New Hope Church in Battle Creek, Michigan.

Please share memories of Dave with his family at www.langelands.com