Bedford Junior "BJ" Johnson

Bedford Junior Johnson, 96, passed away   Friday, December 12, 2025, at his home in Sharpsville, Indiana.  BJ was born July 22, 1929, in Red Boiling Springs, Tennessee to Semmie Belle Moore and George Bedford Johnson.  BJ married Evelyn Lucile Tidler on June 25, 1951. Evelyn preceded him in death on October 22, 2025. BJ and Evelyn raised 3 children together: Shirley (Dana) Sutton, Beverly (Dave) Brudi, and Mark Johnson (Deceased).

Junior was a long-time member of the Sharpsville United Methodist Church and the Napili order of the Mason’s.   Bedford retired from Penn-Dixie Steel Corporation (Continental Steel) in 1974 and from Delco Electronics in 1989.

His basement was full of his tinkerings and served as the neighborhood sanctuary during severe weather conditions.  Junior was loved and respected by all.  His friendly smile and easy manner helped make everyone feel at home

Surviving in addition to his two daughters and their husbands are grandchildren Carrie (Don) Robinson, Cherie (Craig) Smith, Rebecca (Ben) Ruf, and Scott (Ashley) Sutton, 13 great-grandchildren: Jessica and Dakota (Treasure) Smith, Jayce (Nikki) Ellis, Brent, Sean, Kate, Anne, Beth, Grace, and Grant Robinson, Eva Ruf, Ayla and Kora Sutton,  and 4 great-great grandchildren, Isla, Georgia and Nora Smith-Hurst, and Jameson Ellis. Of BJ’s 10 siblings, 4 survive: Rosie Clayton, Lester (Linda) Johnson, Anna Rhode, Linda Kay (Ken) Edmondson, and sister-in law Mary Johnson.   BJ was proceeded in death by his wife Evelyn, his son Mark, his granddaughter Susan Marie Sutton, great-grandson Maddux Scott Sutton, 5 brothers and a sister.

A funeral service celebrating BJ’s life will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at the Sharpsville United Methodist Church, 228 W. Meridian Street, Sharpsville, with Pastor Heather Holman officiating. Burial will follow in Sharpsville Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 11:00 am until the time of service on Saturday, at the church. Memorial contributions may be made in BJ’s name to the Sharpsville United Methodist Church. Stout & Son Funeral Home – Sharpsville has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be made at www.stoutandson.com.

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