Arturo T. Johnson Jr.

Arturo T. Johnson Jr.

Indianapolis – on October 14, 2021 our family lost an amazing man, Arturo T. Johnson Jr., 73 years young. He was at home encircled by his family. He now sleeps and waits for the return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

He leaves behind his devoted wife of 52 years, Dorothy (Rutledge) Johnson, his daughter Andrea and husband Tommie, son Arturo III and wife Christina, and son Sean and wife Amanda. Grandchildren: Theo and wife Stacy, Ina and husband Phillip, Keanu and wife Chaznie, Sophia, Mia, Sebastian. Non-biological grandchildren: Keagan and Kayden. Greatgrandchildren: Lynna and Micah. Sisters: Yolanda, Herlinda and Teresa and a loving band of nieces and nephews who loved and respected him immeasurably.

Arturo was born in East Chicago, grew up in “The Region” and went to Washington High where he joined the chorus. He had a paper route where he was accompanied by his dog “Buddy”. He joined the Cub Scouts, then the Boy Scouts and became Eagle Scout receiving all his badges and finally becoming a very proud Sea Explorer. His passion for the outdoors was evident early on. He then joined the Lake Michigan lifeguard team causing an overflow of female swimmers.

After high school he joined the Navy and volunteered for Vietnam. While stationed in Maryland at Andrews Airforce base he met the love of his life, Dorothy.

Arturo lived and worked in the area called “The Region” for over 30 years. He worked HVAC at Inland Steel Company. He changed the rules for disabled veterans in the mill through the union. His greatest loves were: God, family and country. After retiring from Inland, he and Dorothy later moved to Indianapolis and worked 12 years at DFAS. In between everything he enjoyed hunting, fishing, taxidermy, an avid gardener and produced beautiful stained-glass pieces. He also enjoyed antiquing and history. Having three sisters made him develop exemplary survival skills. At the top of his list was God’s Word. Arturo never met a stranger because the Word was in his heart, his soul and his spirit. He lived the Word and shared it when needed.

Our family can truly say that Arturo never missed an opportunity to bless a person’s life, whether family, friend or total stranger. We are extremely proud and blessed to have called him husband, father, brother, Art, papaw, Mr. J, uncle, Tuddy and friend. He answered all of them. He answered to each of his callings with patience and wisdom, compassion and abundance of love. You received from him all that he had and more.

Our loss is great but greater is the legacy that he, as one man, has left behind. So, he would not have us grieve but celebrate. Celebrate a life well lived, celebrate all that he gave to each and everyone of us. Celebrate and share his laughter, his smile, his hugs and kisses.

Always remembering our very own special moments with him. The secret that you wanted to share but was stopped because he told you, “It wouldn’t be a secret anymore if you tell me.”

From his “yah-yah”, and his “too funny” to “It’s all good”. So many things about him that keep him alive. Great news Art, your legacy and great genes live. We just added one more to the fourth generation! Congratulations!



“He giveth more grace when the burden grows greater.

He sendeth more strength when the labors increase.

To added affliction, He addeth His mercy;

To multiplied trials, His multiplied peace.”

By Annie Johnson-Flint


Celebration of Life:
Thursday, October 21, 2021
From 2-4 pm
Visitation from 2-3 pm and service from 3-4 pm
Indiana Funeral Care
8151 Allisonville Road
Indianapolis, IN 46250

Pastor: Michael Fort

In lieu of flowers please donate to: Wounded Warriors, Disabled Vets, St. Jude, Cancer Research for Glioblastoma or to your favorite charity.

Live Webcast: https://www.indianafuneralcare.com/obituaries/Arturo-T.-Johnson-Jr.?obId=22688762#/celebrationWall