Scott C. Johnson

On March 18th, 2024, Scott Charles Johnson went home to be with Jesus. He was born June 26th, 1954, to Charles and Dorothy Johnson in Royal Oak, MI. He is survived by his sister, Sherry (Jim) Wheeler of Ann Arbor, MI; and his four children, Nathaniel (Brenda) Johnson of Kalamazoo, Brandon Johnson of Galesburg, Joshua Johnson of Kalamazoo, and Lydia (Evan) Johnson of Kalamazoo.

Scott was very mechanically inclined. Most recently, he was a machinist at Smith Machine & Grinding Inc. in Galesburg, MI, before retiring after 30 years of dedication. Scott took this mechanical knowledge and shared everything he could with his kids. He could fix just about anything, and if he didn’t know how to fix it, he’d figure it out, sometimes just by taking it apart and studying how something worked.

Scott enjoyed all things trains and restored and operated steam-powered equipment and locomotives at the Hesston Steam Museum. He also restored two historic rail cars and operated his M19 with the North American Rail Car Operators Association (NARCOA), of which he was a member for several years.

Aside from trains, Scott also took part in American Civil War Reenactments. He was a member of Robinson’s Battery 1st Michigan Light Artillery for over 10 years. He was promoted to corporal and eventually sergeant. During his time with the battery, with his machinist experience, he assisted in the building of a Hughes breech-loading cannon and a 10-pound parrot rifle. He made a significant impact on the members of the battery, as well as fellow reenactors and friends. His presence on the field will be greatly missed.

Of all the roles Scott played, he was most proud to be a father. He took the protector role of a father to great lengths; he would do anything to protect the ones he loved. He had strong family values and leadership skills, which rubbed off on all his children. Within the last three years, he could genuinely focus on his children. He made every effort to be the best father he could for his beloved children. Anyone who talked to him would hear about how deeply he loved them and how proud he was to be their dad.

Scott was many things to many people. He was generous, humble, humorous, and kind, but most of all, a father to four cherished children. He significantly impacted those he met and left a great legacy behind. He will be greatly missed, especially by his beloved children. Something Scott said during his last few months was, “I know the Lord will carry me through this,” and the Lord did carry him through all the way to Heaven.

Funeral services will be held Monday, March 25th at Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services 3926 S 9th St Kalamazoo, MI 49009 beginning with visitation from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, followed by a service at 1:00 pm. Scott will be laid to rest in Maple Grove Cemetery in Comstock, MI. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hesston Steam Museum or Robinson’s Battery 1st Michigan Light Artillery, in memory of Scott.

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10