Gary Edmond Johnson, 65, of Elkhart passed away peacefully at 2:30 am, Friday, December 21, 2012 in Elkhart General Hospital after a brief illness. Gary was born on December 27, 1946 in Ft. Wayne to the late Edmond and Bernice (Alfrey) Johnson. On July 28, 1990, he married the love of his life, Julia Ann Galbreth.

She survives along with three sons, Rodney Lee Johnson of Indianapolis, IN, Shane Michael Estes of Elkhart and Erik John Estes of Elkhart. Also surviving are two sisters, Janet L. Budd of Mishawaka and Nila K. Roll of Granger, several nieces and nephews and close friends that have been a part of his life since grade school. He also leaves behind his mother in law, Sue Ann Geerts Sturm, whom for three years he helped his wife with her care. Gary was a gentle giant. He is preceded in death by siblings, Edmond Johnson, Darlene Collar and Carol Berkel.

Gary grew up in Osceola. Gary graduated from Penn High School in 1965, where he played football and baseball. Gary bought his first bar at age 32, called the Ramona, in Mishawaka. He was one of the greatest chef''s Mishawaka had to offer, owning and operating several area restaurants in Mishawaka and Elkhart. He and his wife Julia owned and operated Spat''s at Bent Oak Golf Course. Gary loved all kinds of sports, most favorite being football and golf. He also loved shooting pool. When Goldblatz first opened in Mishawaka, they hired Gary to demonstrate all of his trick shots to help sell their pool tables. He was great at everything hi did in life. He was currently employed at Downey Chrysler in Nappanee as a successful car salesman.

Visitation will be held from 4:00-8:00 pm, Thursday, December 27, 2012 in Chapel Hill Funeral Home, 10776 McKinley Highway, Osceola. Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 am, Friday, December 28, 2012 in the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the United Cancer Society or the Humane Society of Elkhart County.