Johnny "Ponce" Ernest Radford Sr.

Johnny “Ponce” Ernest Radford Sr., 83, Kokomo, passed away at 9:57 am Monday, September 29, 2025, with his family by his side. He was born October 23, 1941, in Hull, Alabama, the son of the late Lonnie and Maggie (Vickery) Radford. On November 6, 1968, he married Dolores E. (Smith) Radford in Jackson, Michigan, and she survives.

Johnny was a 1960 graduate of Jackson High School in Jackson, Michigan. He received his associate Engineer degree from Purdue at Indiana University-Kokomo. Johnny served in the United States Air Force from June of 1960 until March of 1965, earning the rank of Senior Airman (E-4). He worked for Chrysler as a Tool Engineer, retiring in 2000 after 27 years of service. He loved competing in golf leagues and various bowling leagues in his younger years. Johnny enjoyed camping and traveling, where he would photograph birds and wildflowers. In addition, Johnny was a history buff as he enjoyed researching his ancestry.

In addition to his wife Dolores, Johnny is survived by his children, Johnny E. (Athena) Radford; stepchildren, Terry (Colleen) Coolbaugh, Guy (Tami) Coolbaugh, Debbra L. Odle, and Cara (Bruce) McKellar; 18 grandchildren; and 38 great-grandchildren.

Johhny was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents, John & Viola (Miller) Radford, Henry & Minne Belle Vickery; stepchildren, Gary Dean Coolbaugh, and Shari Jean Coolbaugh; siblings, Vera Nell (Radford) Turner, Charles Radford, and James Radford; Niece, Marty Turner, and Brenda Smith; and great-grandchildren, Kamryn Kennedy, and Kaelynn Coolbaugh.

A funeral service celebrating Johnny’s life will take place at 1 pm Sunday, October 5, 2025, at Hasler-Stout Funeral Home, 112 E. Main Street, Greentown, with Pastor Ryan Mills officiating. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Cemetery, with military honors provided by the United States Air Force and the Greentown American Legion. Friends may visit with the family from 4 pm to 7 pm Saturday, October 4, 2025, at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Tunnel to Towers or the Wounded Warrior Project in Johnny’s memory. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.hasler-stout.com.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.