Dec. 14, 1941 - July 22, 2009

GOSHEN -- Norman Leroy "Stormin' Norman" Johnson Jr., 67, of Goshen, died at 5:10 p.m. Wednesday (July 22, 2009) in his home.

He was born Dec. 14, 1941, in Elkhart to Norman L. Sr. and E. Alene (Russell) Johnson.

Mr. Johnson is survived by two daughters, Tina (Troy) Mathews and Johnna (Todd) Stitt, both of Elkhart; one stepdaughter, Minday (Dave) Kyle of Goshen; one stepson, Mike Bryant of Fort Wayne; eight grandchildren; four stepgrandchildren; five stepgreat-grandchildren; and his father of Goshen.

He was preceded in death by one grandson, Justin Knapp, and one brother, Ron.

Mr. Johnson was the head mechanic for the Goshen City Street Department for 27 years, retiring around 2003. An avid racing buff, he raced sprint cars and traveled the Michiana racing circuit. He liked to watch NASCAR, collect model race cars and train memorabilia, and root for Dale Earnhardt Sr. when he was still racing.

Mr. Johnson was the union steward for Teamsters Local 364 and was active in the Goshen Moose Lodge 836.

Friends may call one hour prior to Monday's noon funeral service at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart. Burial will follow in Little Pine Cemetery, Goshen.

Memorials may be given to the Norman L. Johnson Jr. Memorial Fund, in care of the funeral home