Dempsey "Art" Arthur Johnson

Dempsey “Art” Johnson, 89, of New Franklin, passed peacefully at home surrounded by his family and was greeted in Heaven by his wife of 60 years, Dianne (née Bahry), on September 18, 2026.

Art’s departure has left a profound void in the hearts of those who knew him, as he was both a cherished member of his family and the local community. He was born in Pikeville, Kentucky on December 4, 1936 and was the son of the late Kenneth and Stella (Bevins) Johnson.

Art made his way to Northeast Ohio, where he met the love of his life, Dianne. Together, they built a strong foundation of family, faith and community. Art was welcomed into Dianne’s family with open arms and he became a “Bahry.” Many described him as a self-made man who literally and figuratively built a beautiful life for his family.

Throughout Art’s life, his children Eric and Shannon were instrumental in every decision he made. This devotion continued with his grandchildren and extended family (where he couldn’t say no). Led by his servant’s heart, Art was always the first to lend a hand through his extensive craftsmanship and he could fix anything.

In the community he was well known as a coach, a mentor, a youth group leader and an avid Manchester Panthers fan who supported not only his relatives, but all youth. As a devoted racquetball player and fitness enthusiast, he developed close relationships that he maintained for many years. One of Art’s favorite pasttimes was listening to the Tribe on the radio in the garage.

Faith was fundamental in Art’s life. He recommitted his life to the Lord two months ago when he was re-baptized. He enjoyed reading the Bible daily and having devotional discussions.

Art worked tirelessly at Manchester Tool until he retired at the age of 62. After retirement, Art and Dianne treasured traveling with their dinner and sibling groups, and vacationing with family.

Left to cherish Art’s memory are his children, Eric “EJ” (Kelli) Johnson and Shannon (Amish) Patel; grandchildren, Hannah (Logan) Speer, Christopher Johnson, Nicholas Johnson, Nathan Patel, and Neala Patel; sisters-in-law, Sue Bowman and Ernestine Johnson; brothers-in-law, Jim (Terry) Bahry and Bill (Maggie) Bahry; numerous nieces, nephews, and friends; and his four-legged best friend, Milo “Mo”.

Art is preceded in death by his wife, Dianne, on April 25, 2026; his sister, Ernestine Lafferty; brother, Jay Johnson; brothers-in-law, Hylem Bahry and Jim Bowman; sister-in-law, Donna Bahry; and nephew, Shawn Bahry.

Family and friends are welcome to visit on Saturday September 26, 2026 at Grace Bible Church 5781 Manchester Rd, New Franklin, OH 44319, from 9am until 11am with a Celebration of Art's Life to follow.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Art’s memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or Grace Bible Church.

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