David R. Johnson

David R. Johnson was a devoted father, cherished grandfather, and beloved friend. He was preceded in death by his father Robert Johnson, and his mother (name unknown), and by his wife, Gail C. Johnson. Dave will be remembered for his love and dedication to his family, and for the legacy of cherished moments and fond memories he leaves behind.

One of the most special times in Dave’s life was riding his 1972 Moto Guzzi Eldorado motorcycle—often with a Chesterfield King (non-filtered) cigarette hanging from his mouth—as he traveled through the hills of West Virginia. Dave and Gail would go camping on the motorcycle. He would tow a small trailer filled with camping gear and a cooler, while his wife followed closely behind. He spent his life working as an auto body mechanic and was known for constantly helping others with their cars and bikes.

As the years went on, Dave continued to find joy in the outdoors. He loved camping and spending time at Lake Bluff Campground, where he kept a fifth-wheel trailer on a permanent site. Many summers were filled with laughter and lessons, especially as he helped raise his granddaughter—teaching her how to catch frogs and turtles. He may have seemed rough around the edges, but his love for his children and grandchildren was unmistakable.

Dave also loved taking his sons, Steven and Jeffrey, camping and fishing when they were kids. Raising them gave him meaning in life, and it brought him immense happiness and pride—always wanting the best for them and always showing up with heart.

Dave shared countless memories with his lifelong friend, John Mattice. Their fishing trips and “crazy experiences” became part of family lore. John was and always will be a part of the family, and the two of them were always up to something.

Being “Papa” was one of the highlights of Dave’s life. He and Gail took their granddaughter, Lauren, camping every summer—whether that meant “mountain climbing” the chimney bluffs, frog hunting, spotting and catching turtles, fishing, or teaching her to swim the old-fashioned way by gently pushing her in the pool. Dave was especially proud of Nikolas, and loved helping him whenever he could. He was also deeply proud to watch Nikolas raise his daughter as a single father—always showing up with strength, love, and determination.

Dave was blunt—not the “touchy-feely” kind—and he guided the ones he cared about in the ways he knew best, with humor and grit. He rarely said “I love you,” but he didn’t need to. He showed it through his actions: the help, the advice, the presence, the rides, the work he put in, and the way he always seemed to be there when it mattered. It was love, just delivered the Dave Johnson way.

David is survived by his sons, Steven Kremer (Charla Yacono) and Jeffrey Kremer (Becky Kremer) and by his grandchildren: Lauren, Nikolas, Aurora, Joshua, Zachary, Noah, and Sophie.