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Coach "Boag" Johnson
Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame Biography
David Ralph "Boag" Johnson,
83, of Warsaw, beloved husband of MaryEllen for the past 61 years, died on
Monday, July 11, 2005. Born in Huntington on Dec. 6, 1921, a son of
David and Flora Johnson, he graduated in 1939 from Union Center.
After serving in the U.S. Army, he graduated from Huntington College in
1947. He played professional basketball for the Anderson Packers and the
Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons from 1948 to 1952. In 1964, he was nominated
for the Silver Anniversary Basketball Team and was Huntington College
Alumnus of the Year. He was elected to the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame
in 1995.
"Boag" coached varsity basketball at Columbia City High School from 1952
to 1957, and was athletic director from 1958 to 1960. He moved to Warsaw
and coached the Tigers from 1961 to 1971. He taught physical education,
health & safety, driver's training, and served as a guidance counselor. He
initiated the buildings trade program at Warsaw Community High School. He
retired in 1985.
His hobby was carpentry. He built all the homes he lived in since 1968,
plus assisted family and friends with their projects.
He is survived by his wife, MaryEllen (Robinson) Johnson; three daughters,
Jorie (James) Webster of Warsaw; Kristine (Larry) Ummel of Kimmell, and
Leslie (Ray) Barna of Vandalia, Mich.; a son, Greg Johnson of Warsaw; two
sisters, Martha Burnau and Dorothy Tuggle, both of Warsaw; six
grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, a brother, and his
oldest son, David Johnson.
"Boag" loved his family and his country. He served in Europe during World
War II and was a member of American Legion Post 49 of Warsaw. He was known
to say that he had lived a great life and would not change a thing.
To celebrate his life, a tribute service is at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 16,
at Titus Funeral Home in Warsaw, with Dick Kehoe officiating. Visitation
is from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Burial is at Oakwood
Cemetery, with military graveside service conducted by American Legion
Post 49 and V.F.W. 1126.
For those who prefer, memorials may be made to the American Heart
Association, Midwest Affiliate Memorial & Tributes, Lockbox 3816 Paysphere
Circle, Chicago, IL 60674.
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