Preston A Johnson, Sr. was born to the union of John K. and Willie (Louise) Wells Johnson in Nashville, Tennessee on July 15, 1947. He relocated to South Bend, IN at three years of age, where he graduated from Washington High School in 1966. Preston accepted Christ and was baptized at an early age. Later, he attended Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Pastor D. T. Taylor. In his latter years, he attended New Bethel Tabernacle.

While attending high school, Preston joined the Navy Reserve, and upon graduation, enlisted in the United States Marines, obtaining the rank of Gunnery Sergeant. He received numerous citations while serving during Vietnam War and was honorably discharged in 1969. On October 18, 1969, Preston married his high school sweetheart, Cora Jean Lewis. They were blessed with 53 years of marriage. To their union was born one son, Preston A. Johnson, Jr. In 1970, Mr. Johnson was sworn in as a Firefighter with the South Bend Fire Department, becoming the first African American paramedic on the department in 1980. During Black History Month, Preston was recently honored for his service to the community. Preston was a people person and never met a stranger. He was recognized by the International Summer Special Olympics Games in 1987 as "effectively delegating and offering functional solutions to the patient's needs." Retiring from SBFD after 20 years of service, he started a new career as a school engineer at Christ the King School and Church. He was a proud member of International Mason Inc., King Solomon Lodge, where he served as Worshipful Master. In his spare time, he loved hunting and fishing with his son and grandson. Preston is survived by his wife, Cora Jean (Lewis) Johnson; one son, Preston A. Johnson Jr; grandson, Preston A. Johnson III, and great grandchildren. Five siblings, Dwight (Bonnie) Johnson, Sheila (Minister Henry) Young, Minister Calvin (Gaye) Johnson, Wendell (Kathy) Johnson, and Denise Johnson.

Two sisters-in-law, Diane Lewis and Merrie Lewis Minor; and brother-in-law Raymond Lewis. Along with numerous family, friends and loved ones, including a special friend, Robert Cornelius. Preston was preceded in death by his parents, John and Louise Johnson; father and mother-in-law, Matthew Sr. and Jeanette Lewis; brother-in-law, Matthew Lewis Jr., several aunts, uncles and cousins. Service will be held Saturday, April 29, 2023 11:00am at New Bethel Tabernacle Church 2627 Napier Street South Bend, Indiana 46619 with visitation 1 hour prior to services. South Bend Firemen will serve as Casket Guard. Military Honors will be performed prior to interment at Highland Cemetery. Special thanks to the men and women of the South Bend Fire and Police Departments. Funeral Arrangements are entrusted to www.boydandsonfuneralhome.com where condolences may be shared

Posted online on April 21, 2023

Published in South Bend Tribune

04/21/2023 EJS