He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1958 to 1966. After his military service, Johnny owned and operated a service station in Titusville, Florida. He volunteered for the Bloomingdale Fire Department, serving as chief for one year, and worked as a paramedic for Pinedale Ambulance. In 1988, he moved to Florida to work as a carpenter. He returned to Michigan in 1991, where he met and eventually married Merry De Haven in 1993. Johnny worked in construction for Pete Dykstra in Allegan and also for Allegan County Dispatch. He later worked for L & W Engineering, retiring in 2002.
Johnny was married to Kathleen Gendron, who preceded him in death, as did his son Kevin Paul Gendron and sister Janis Campbell. He is survived by his wife Merry De Haven; children Christopher Scott (Sara) Campbell, Thomas (Laura) Gendron, and Becky Hamlett; grandchildren Lillyann, Grayson, Violet, Jackson, Jennifer, and Jen (Jordan) Boothby; and several great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Patricia Brewer and many extended family and friends.
Johnny and Merry raised llamas and enjoyed taking them to nursing homes. He had a passion for gardening and was a member of the Bloomingdale Conservation Club and Northern Michigan Flywheelers.
Johnny will be remembered as one of the most generous persons you would ever know.
A memorial gathering to celebrate Johnny’s life will take place in the spring and will be announced at a later date.
Interment will be in Fort Custer National Cemetery.
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