Darwin Eugene Johnson

Darwin Johnson died in the hope of Christ’s mercy on Holy Saturday with his son, daughter in law, and lifelong love at his side. He served honorably in the United States Navy on the USS Bainbridge. In 1964, in Operation Sea Orbit, the Navy’s first all-nuclear task force completed the remarkable feat of circling the world without replenishment. On that particular trip, Darwin sailed from the Mediterranean, around Africa, to Pakistan, Australia, Brazil, to Norfolk, Virginia. A skilled millwright, Darwin retired from Whirlpool Corporation after more than 30 years. He applied his talents on the job and at home utilizing his sharp eye for precision workmanship in all his building projects. In 1989, Darwin and his son purchased Red Arrow Delivery. A perennial night owl, “Dad” covered some of the more difficult shifts on nights and weekends giving the crew much needed rest. Darwin was a gregarious personality — generous with kind words for anyone he met. Each day it was as if he set out on a mission to touch as many people as he could with a friendly call or helping hand. One of his favorite pastimes was bowling. He carried a high average and loved being in the role of anchorman for his teams. He was a good marksman. “DJ” enjoyed hunting with his brothers for most of his life. He liked relaxing with a car race on TV and chatting about all the happenings. As a prominent member of several fraternities, he had tremendous affection for his friends and valued their camaraderie to the highest degree. He loved nothing more than a big breakfast with lots of stories and laughs with his buddies. Darwin exhibited a gentle love for his family learned from his late father, Darwin Cole Johnson, as well as impassioned caring from his mother, Naomi. His older sister Bettye passed 2 years ago. He is survived by his son, Tim (Tiffany), grandchildren Kai and Kira (Justin), great grandson Oliver, brothers Ronnie, Rick, and Sonny (Cindy) and sister Sandy (Paul). His family was genuinely moved by the compassion the nursing staff at Deaconess Hospital showed him in his final agonies (Matthew 25:35). “Thank you with much love from the bottom of our hearts.” Funeral services for Darwin will be held at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at Pierre Funeral Home, Deacon Tom Kempf officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery, where the Vanderburgh County Retired Veterans Memorial Club will conduct military rites. Friends may visit with the family from 9:00 AM until service time on Tuesday at Pierre Funeral Home, 2601 W. Franklin Street. Anima eius, et ánimæ ómnium fidélium defunctórum, per misericórdiam Dei requiéscant in pace.

Darwin Eugene Johnson

July 12, 1942 - April 19, 2025