Larry A. Johnson

Larry A. "Monk" Johnson, age 72, of New Paris, Ohio died Friday, January 22, 2010 at his home surrounded by family and friends. Born on November 23, 1937 in Troy, Ohio he was the son of the late Julian & Roberta (Brown) Johnson. Larry grew up in New Paris and graduated from Jefferson High School in 1956. He was a mechanic all of his life and owned and operated Johnson's Super 76 in Eldorado, Ohio from 1970 to 1979. In 1993 he retired from Milestone Company of Indianapolis. Larry was a good provider to his family, sponsored a very successful men's softball team "Johnson's 76" in the 1970's. He followed all of the National Trail School sports and enjoyed his summer months at the New Paris ballpark. On weekends during the summer, he also spent time at Union County Speedway, Lawrenceburg Speedway and Eldora Speedway. Monk was a successful stock car driver racing at Richmond, Lawrenceburg, Eldora and Mt Lawn Speedway in New Castle. He raced from 1956 to 1969 and was proud that his sons and grandsons followed in his footsteps. His whole family enjoys racing because of him. He always enjoyed a good or bad game of cards and played many practical jokes. Proceeded in death by his sister: Susan Kay Crossno in 2007.

Survivors include his wife of 53 years: Patricia (Bradshaw) Johnson; Sons & Daughters-In-Law: Bill Johnson, Joe & Cindy Johnson and Tom Johnson all of New Paris, Ohio; Sam & Carol Johnson of Eaton, Ohio; Daughters & Son-In-Law: Kitty & Chuck Thomas of Eaton, Ohio and Lori Johnson of New Paris, Ohio. Grandchildren: Chuckie Thomas, Justin Johnson, Taryna Bradley, Ed Johnson, Carly Johnson and Dylan Johnson; Great Grandchildren: Emma, Paige, James, Jake, Andrew and Killian. He also helped many young men along the way like Danny Yount, Fred Barker, Mort Maish and Alan Shafer.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 27, 2010 at Barnes Funeral Home - 109 West Main Street – New Paris, Ohio with Rev. Steve Whalen officiating. Interment will be in Springlawn Cemetery in New Paris, Ohio. Family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 26, 2010 at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to National Trail Boosters Club. Online condolences may be sent to the family via the Web site at www.barnesfuneralhome.com