Robert Johnson
Age 55, passed away unexpectedly on January 23, 2021, at his home. Bob was born October 14, 1965, in Lansing, to William Johnson and Vickie Buell. He graduated from Everett High School in 1983 and attended LCC and MSU. After college, he began working in the hotel industry before working for Universal Trucking, and was currently employed at Horizon Freight Systems. He loved going to casinos, traveling, shopping for a bargain, and sports. He was a “die hard” Spartan fan and also loved his Detroit Lions and Tigers. He was a generous and kind-hearted man, who will be missed by all who knew him.
Surviving are: step-dad, Doug; step-mom, Robin; 7 siblings, William Jr. (his twin), Brian (Belinda), Kandy, Brandy, Tasha (Bob), Mandy, and Meredith; many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, all who considered him their “favorite uncle.” He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Kimberly Jo; nephew, Tyler; and his beloved dog, Vivian.
Bob’s family will receive friends at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Friday, January 29, 2021, with the funeral service at 2:00 p.m. Entombment will follow in Deepdale Memorial Gardens. Online condolences may be left for his family at www.EstesLeadley.com.
26 Messages to “Robert Johnson”
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Brad Johnson
January 25, 2021 at 2:42 pmMy uncle had such a great sense of humor. He could bring light to any situation. The past time I seen him he look my brother and I as seriously as possible and told us if we needed anything to let him know…….
And that he would tell my uncle Bill.
I sure will miss you uncle Bob. I love you
Bob Jenks
January 25, 2021 at 3:39 pmI’m so sorry to hear of the passing of Bob. I graduated from Everett with Bob and recall him being a gentle soul with a great sense of humor. May he rest in peace
Wendy Hopper
January 25, 2021 at 3:57 pmI’m so very sorry to hear this news. Bob was such a great guy. He always had a smile on his face. I know he leaves his family with a big hole in all of your hearts, but also with some wonderful memories to cherish forever. He sure will be missed.
Jessica Bush
January 25, 2021 at 5:16 pmSuch a loving caring person. I think we got along so well because we shared the same birth date 🙂 . Thankful for him to have been apart of my life for so many years. Thankful that my children and I were able to make good memories with him and these we will forever cherish. My prayers go out to all that were affected by his loss. May you rest in peace.
Jamie Hixson (Bancroft)
January 25, 2021 at 9:42 pmI’m so sorry to hear about the passing of Bob, I went to school with him. We had the best of times in our Photography classes, and graphic arts. Bob always had a smile on his face, and a wonderful sense of humor. R.I.P. old friend. Your family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Larry Heuer
January 26, 2021 at 3:55 amBob was an amazing man, always upbeat and talkative. I graduated with him and he was also my neighbor later in life. Condolences to to the family and his friends!!
Brianna Kerley
January 26, 2021 at 12:42 pmBob was my manager for 5 years at Universal. Literally the most loving and selfless person I’ve ever encountered. Bob would give his very last and the shirt off of his back to anyone in need. I could always count on Bob to surprise the recruiting department with the latest snacks and the different flavor Oreos which were his favorite. Lol
Bob, I am going to miss you dearly! Thank you for everything you’ve done for me. Thank you for always going the extra mile and always having my back. I’m going to miss you chewing your laffy taffy’s and eating your favorite “rap snack” chips. I’m also going to miss you sharing your Mediterranean food with me. You will forever be the BEST MANAGER ever!
Rest Peacefully,
Bri
Kara Pedersen
January 26, 2021 at 1:01 pmBobby J,
Words cannot describe how much you meant to me. From my very first day at universal until the last time we spoke you always had my best interest (even when I was yelling at you). I will always cherish our trips together to truck shows, the nino and my personal favorite – antique archeology. You surround yourself with love and that will be no different up there. I hope you and Stroup are looking down on all of us as you drink out of styrofoam cups. Cheers Bobby, I love you
Marcy Stanley
January 26, 2021 at 3:29 pmAlthough my professional relationship with Bob was short, I always appreciated his goofiness and kindness since meeting him at Universal. I was so thankful for this and looked forward to it daily. I didn’t need to know him long to know that he was truly one of the kindest souls, genuinely looking to make sure everyone around him was taken care of and happy. I am so happy to have known Bob and want to send my condolences to his family, friends and loved ones during this time. I hope you rest peacefully Bob! Thank you for being you.
Christina Lang
January 26, 2021 at 3:30 pmMy heart is broken to hear of this news. Bob was my manager at Universal for just under three years, and one of the best managers I’ve ever had. He had such a kind heart and was so full of life. I am so grateful for all of the fun memories shared (especially the Louisville truck show trips)/ We all will miss you so much, Bob!
Stephanie Weddle
January 26, 2021 at 4:58 pmI am literally still in shock that you are gone! I had the pleasure of working with you for years. You were kind and funny and we had a lot of laughs through the years! I will never forget our trip to Alabama! Prayers to your family! You were truly loved by everyone!
Patty Moore
January 26, 2021 at 5:07 pmAgain, sadly, we send our condolences to your family. Please take care of each other in this difficult time. Sure wish I had words of comfort. June and I send our love. Hugs, Patty and June.
Lorri Samonie
January 26, 2021 at 8:24 pmSo sorry to hear of your passing. I worked with Bob at Universal, sat on the other side of a cubicle wall, will forever remember his slams against the desk & his laugh every time it made me jump. Bob was the nicest, sweetest man, always a smile. Rest easy my friend, you will be missed so much, by so many.
Bruce Temperley
January 27, 2021 at 2:18 pmBruce & Deanna Temperley
Farewell for now Uncle Bob. Thank you for being a True work friend! Also for being the best bartender ever for our at our wedding 3 years ago. God Bless you Uncle Bob.
Sarah Selleck
January 28, 2021 at 7:30 amBob was a amazing person he could make anyone laugh no matter what was going on. If you was sad Bob was the one to make you laugh. Bob was that big brother to me I could go to him for anything when all us would argue especially us girls. Bob would know how to make us all make up…Bob you will be missed LOVE YOU……….
Mary Cavataio
January 28, 2021 at 9:43 amPete and I are so sad to hear of your unexpected passing Bob we will miss you. I will miss the days in dispatch at Universal and our little internal fights between you and I and then two minutes later we would go out and smoke and everything was great. I wish I could be there to say goodbye to you. You will always have a spot in my heart
Doug Hoffman
January 28, 2021 at 9:44 amI worked with Bob at Universal for years and I will certainly miss him and his great sense of humor. Everyone loved Bob and it was always fun working with him. The term “nice guys finish last” certainly never applied to Bob and everyone who had contact with Bob was a better person for having met him. Rest in peace my Spartan buddy!
Colleenmackie
January 28, 2021 at 11:37 amBobby, I will always cherish our talks catching up on the family . And how we’d also rewind on good old times. You’ll truly be missed . The infectious laugh and bright smile will be in my heart.everyone would agree you thoughtfulness, loving kind giving man. You were thre if someone needs to lean on. Our condolences to family may you remember all fun times you had and heal their aching hearts for the days to come . We love you forever love always Jack & Colleen mackiexoxo
Nick Sage
January 28, 2021 at 8:00 pmI first met Bob over 20 years ago when we were both dispatchers at Mason Dixon (Universal). Bob always was so even mannered and good at what he did. Like many others, he dedicated a good portion of his life to Universal and it was a better company because of him. Like many others, Bob outgrew Universal and moved on to bigger and much better things and on to new challenges.
I’m so sorry to hear of his passing. Rest In Peace old friend.
Bob Murphy
January 29, 2021 at 9:28 amAs a supplier for a number of years at his previous job, I coordinated print work for Bob. He was always cheerful and very patient no matter what the situation. His passing was quite a shock to all who knew him. I will miss most a his trusting spirit and the confidence he showed towards others. A trait we could all use a little more of. I’m grateful our paths crossed even though for a short time.
God Bless You and May You Rest in Peace Bob
Donna VanOpdenbosch
January 29, 2021 at 5:14 pmSo very saddened to hear about Bob’s unexpected passing. We spent many years as coworkers & friends and shared daily conversations about work, families, & even pets!!
He was never at a loss for words and was truly a kind and caring person.
My condolences to his family and all who knew him.
RIP my friend.
D e b i
January 30, 2021 at 8:14 amBob was a great friend , Easy to talk to With a great sense of humor . Great compassion for animals , we would always talk about his dog. Vivian , and his cat . Would ask me for Advice , Since I’m in a rescue . Bob would always do the Super Bowl squares at work , wishing us luck . I can’t hold back the tears , thinking about you Bob . I see your great smile , Will miss you so much .
Marissa
February 4, 2021 at 10:52 pmHey Uncle Bob,
I’m siting here in my room studying and couldn’t get your voice out of my head. I keep wishing that you were coming down the hall to see what I was doing. I’d always know it was you by the dragging of your feet and you breathing. Still makes me smile. I am still very sad, but not quite sure how to do my day to day without feeling like I shouldn’t be okay.
I’m trying to be okay, but I just wanted to reach out to you to get the words out. Hey you might like this, our family is doing family only Super Bowl squares and I got to head it. So I got 2 boards filled in less than 2 hours and everyone in the family didn’t even get a chance to get any.
I miss you and I hope you’re happy and somewhere on the beach with a slot machine on one side and some snacks on the other waiting to watch the Super Bowl.
I love you so much and this world, my world will not be the same without you.
Your fellow alum,
Marissa
John Connell
February 5, 2021 at 5:51 pmBob’s cousin, I used to “baby sit” the three ‘Bs”–Bob[by], and brothers Billy and Brian–when Bob was around 10 years old. Even then he was uncommonly kind and fun-loving.
Although his passing is stunning and tragic, it’s heartwarming to see how his traits held constant and affected many people.
Mandy
February 15, 2021 at 10:09 amI love you Brother! I miss you so much.
amya
November 29, 2022 at 9:26 pmjust really missing you uncle bob and wishing you were here with us. it’s still really hard to think that you are really gone, still doesn’t feel very real especially around the holidays. it feels like i’m just waiting for the day i wake up and see you at the table with my mom drinking coffee. miss you so much