Derek James Johnson

Derek Johnson, 45, of Fremont, left us on October 5th, 2023. Derek was born the afternoon of August 25th, 1978 to David and Debbie (Fought) Johnson, at Toledo Hospital.

In Derek’s childhood he was an avid skateboarder and built a halfpipe in the backyard with his dad that all the neighborhood kids enjoyed for years. Even before his days in scouting he loved nature. He volunteered at the Toledo Zoo in the Reptile House during his high school years. He was a member of the Gibsonburg High School Golf team and was often the medalist. Derek excelled in math and passed his high school proficiencies with honors. He graduated from GHS in 1997. Derek then earned six associate degrees of science from Terra State Community College. He was employed as a robotics technician / maintenance electrician .

Derek was always very artistic with a great attention to detail. He loved working on projects such as corn hole boards that the family continues to enjoy at family events. He also enjoyed raising reptiles and creating fish habitats. Derek was known for his adventurous, innovative, free spirit who made life fun. He was a certified scuba diver. He enjoyed fishing, playing softball, corn hole, and going spelunking with his nieces. He enjoyed hiking with his dad and uncle on the Appalachian Trail, most recently last May.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the:

Yavapai Arizona Search and Rescue http://www.ycsrt.org/?q=paypal_donate

 NAMI Organization https://www.namissw.org/

Left to cherish his memory are his parents of Gibsonburg, sisters Dana (Glenn) Martin, (Monroe, Ohio) and Danielle (Steve) Mowery (Clyde, Ohio). Nieces Brooke Beck, Maci Mowery, Kennedy Mowery, Abbey Martin and Dominique (Mowery) Gwiner, Nephews Cameron Krueger and Steven Mowery. Grandmother Norma Fought of Gibsonburg and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Wayne and Pat Johnson and maternal grandfather, James Fought.

A Celebration of Life, where food and drinks will be served, will be held on Friday, December 15th, 2023 at the Gibsonburg American Legion from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm with a Remembrance Ceremony at 7:30 pm. Burial will be 10am on Saturday, December 16th at West Union Cemetery.