Raymond Dee Johnson

Raymond D. Johnson Raymond Dee Johnson, 75, of Goshen, died Sunday evening, July 9, 2006, at his home after a long illness.   He was born November 22, 1930, in Ligonier, Indiana, to Cecil W. and Lottie (Vance) Johnson.  He married Margaret Rostochak on December 22, 1951, in Goshen.  She survives.   Mr. Johnson owned and operated R.D. Johnson and Son Excavating, Inc., which he established in 1965.  He retired in 2003.   He served in the Army Airforce from 1947 to 1950 and was stationed in Alaska.  During the early 1950’s he raced stock cars at area tracks.   A 54 year resident of Goshen, Mr. Johnson, recorded several songs in the early 50’s and played in area bands, including the Nickel Plate Road Band during the 80’s.  He was a lead singer and played the guitar, fiddle and keyboard.   He is survived by his wife, a son, Steven Ray (Jan Graber) Johnson of Goshen; two daughters, Janet Lynn Johnson of Goshen and Sandy (Johnson) Brumbaugh of Rome City, Indiana; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and a brother, Cecil (Imogene) Johnson, Jr. of Ligonier.   He was preceded in death by his parents.   Friends may call 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, July 14, at the funeral home.   A 10:00 a.m., Saturday, July 15, 2006, funeral service will be held at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home.  Rev. Kevin Farmwald of the Eighth Street Mennonite Church, Goshen, will officiate.   Burial will be in West Goshen Cemetery, Goshen.   Memorial contributions may be made to the Goshen Health System Cancer Center.