705 W. Warren Street | (812) 849-2600 |

Michael David JohnsonPassing: December 30, 2021

Service:

Bedford First Baptist Church

Funeral Service

Tuesday, January 4th @ 11:00 a.m.

Visitation:

First Baptist Church

Monday, January 3rd @ 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Cemetery:

Green Hill Cemetery

Tuesday, January 4th

BEDFORD – Michael David Johnson completed his earthly journey and was welcomed into the mansions of heaven on Thursday, December 30th, 2021.

A forty year resident of Bedford, Indiana, Michael lived a life of service and sacrifice to the state and nation, both as a serviceman and a distinguished police officer. Michael was the founder and president of the American Police Canine Association. With vast experience as a Master Trainer for patrol and narcotics, Michael trained over 7000 canine police dog handlers and their canines throughout the country. Many canine experts owe their careers to his mentorship and passionate expertise.

Mike earned his criminology degree from Arizona State University. Over three decades, he served various ranks as an officer within the Bedford Police Department beginning as a DARE officer. Prior to his law enforcement career, he served seven years in the US Navy aboard the USS Norton Sound and the USS Pelalu.

Michael was born August 23, 1957, to Milan and Marilyn Ruth (Stewart) Johnson in Louisville, Kentucky. He is survived by Bonnie, his wife and partner of 32 years. His four children, Michelle Miller (Bo) of Bedford, Indiana, Amanda Wilson (Joey Belviy) of Charlestown, Indiana, Phillip Mills (Ashley) of Martinsville, Indiana, and Matthew Mills (Marina) of Henderson, Nevada, will miss their father deeply. His nine grandchildren and nine nieces and nephews adored their grandfather and uncle. He is also survived by his mother, Marilyn Ruth Johnson of Scottsdale, Arizona, and one brother, Dr. Fred W. Johnson of Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Preceding him in death are his father, Dr. Milan H. Johnson, his sister, Tasha Faye Vatistas, and his brother, Norman Todd Johnson.

Among Michael’s last words were these: “The quality of my life is measured by serving the God that I love, the family I raised, the friendships I made, the officers I developed, and the people I served.” We are indeed grateful for his life and lasting contributions.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 4, at the Bedford First Baptist Church with a memorial service conducted by the Stone City FOP Lodge No. 94. Burial will be in Green Hill Cemetery with military honors accorded by American Legion Gillen Post No. 33.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Monday and from 10:00 a.m. until the service on Tuesday at the church.

Memorial Gifts: White River Humane Society

The family respectfully requests that masks be worn. The funeral service will be live-streamed through the funeral home’s Facebook page.

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26 Guest Comments

  1. Guest: PAULA A PRICE | CHEROKEE, NORTH CAROLINA
    Date: January 25, 2022
    It was my great pleasure to work with Mike through the APCA and get to know him as a person and as a friend. In 2018 Mike viewed some of my photos at a training & certification conference I attended at the request of Officer Queen which was held in my home town of Cherokee (NC). On the spot, Mike asked if I'd be interested in being the APCA photographer. I, naturally, was thrilled with the opportunity to work with him and the law enforcement officers and their canine partners. Mike made me feel like family from day one. Mike was a very knowledgeable and charismatic person and I can emphatically say that he will truly be missed.
  2. Guest: Chris Graham | Kings Mountain, NC
    Date: January 14, 2022
    I will say emphatically that Mike Johnson will be greatly missed. I was so fortunate over the last Eight to Ten years to call him my friend. I always looked forward to seeing him at our Spring Seminars in the North Carolina area. He was such a great guy and a great leader of the APCA. I know how he loved his family as well!!! We had the opportunity over the years to speak of our families. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you!!!!!
  3. Guest: Roger Means | Spartanburg SC
    Date: January 5, 2022
    Great man and friend. He will be missed. Praying for your family.
  4. Guest: Dwane Porter | Ona, WV
    Date: January 3, 2022
    Fred, my heart is saddened by the news of Michael’s passing. He is now safe in the arms of Jesus, and I’m sure Lorna has made sure he has been fed. Please express my sympathies to your mother and Michel’s family. You are all in my prayers
  5. Guest: Jamie Stevens Bechtel | Bedford, IN
    Date: January 3, 2022
    I just wanted to send my condolences to the family for Mike. He was a man who still had integrity and that people were able to depend upon no matter what. I will always have the deepest respect and admiration for him as well as a genuine fondness for all of the family. Bonnie and Mike were a dynamic duo and I count myself lucky to call them my friends. My deepest condolences to all of you and I hope that I will someday soon have the opportunity to talk and share some good things that we will all miss in our lives going forward. Love and respect, Jamie Bechtel
  6. Guest: Jodi | Bedford, Indiana
    Date: January 3, 2022
    A great freind and neighbor. Always knew I was safe with Mike in our neighborhood. Will miss him stopping and just saying hello.
  7. Guest: Robin D Clendenning | Oakhurst, Ca.
    Date: January 3, 2022
    Mike you were the best! Thank you for taking care of our sister and all the kids and for always welcoming us! Bonnie, I'm so terribly sorry for your loss in a life partner and soulmate! God's blessings and comfort to you my sister! Big squishy hugs, Robin
  8. Guest: Jan M Kruse | Bedford
    Date: January 3, 2022
    Mike was a fine person, who's calling and passion was training dogs. He had a kind heart and will be sorely missed but never forgotten by people and animals he had a profound effect on.
  9. Guest: Shelly Mills | Peoria, Arizona
    Date: January 2, 2022
    Wherever a beautiful soul has been, there is a trail of beautiful memories. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.”
  10. Guest: Tom O'Toole | Oak Island , N.C
    Date: January 2, 2022
    Prayers to the Johnson family. Mike would always talk about his family first and then we would get into the K-9 stuff . Mike was dedicated to APCA and helping handlers train and certify. will always remember the laughs we had.
  11. Guest: Patrick Merritt | Rockwell
    Date: January 2, 2022
    Mike lived for his wife, family and the APCA. The world lost a great person who made this world a better place. Our prayers go out to Bonnie and their children.
  12. Guest: Amy Lindley | Bedford, IN
    Date: January 1, 2022
    Our hearts and prayers are with your family in this time of loss.
  13. Guest: Harvey Holt | Worthington, IN
    Date: January 1, 2022
    To my friend, Debbie and I will greatly miss you. I knew you for only 13 years but seemed like forever. One of my favorite memories was when you asked me to marry one of your daughters. I told you I would have to ask my wife and you said "Okay, just let me know." You always made me laugh and I am truly grateful and honored to know you and your family. I know you went to dog Heaven and are trying to train all of our former dogs to have them ready for our arrival. P.S. "Still waiting on an answer from my wife"
  14. Guest: Jamie Renfroe | Florence SC
    Date: December 31, 2021
    Mike was a great friend and mentor to many. We here at the Florence County Sheriffs Office SC will miss him dearly. God speed Mike! We will continue to pray for his family! Sgt. Jamie Renfroe and K9 Roby (retired)
  15. Guest: Dave Burton | Minneola, Florida
    Date: December 31, 2021
    Worked with Mike many years. He was my friend and a good Officer. He will be truly missed. God be with you.
  16. Guest: Deborah Wheelock | Bedford, Indiana
    Date: December 31, 2021
    This world lost an angel and a good friend. I pray for the family during this time. Mike was such a great person. I worked with his wife Bonnie at Johnson Paws and Pals. I loved working there. Mike was special and funny. He was always professional and kind to people. I can’t say enough about him. Just know we love you Mike and you are already sorely missed. Hugs and prayers for the family. Blessings to all.
  17. Guest: Joyce Young Jackson | Ellettsville, Indiana
    Date: December 30, 2021
    Fred, reading this saddens me for the families loss and yet makes me happy to glimpse the life of Michael. Reading about Michael’s accomplishments is so special. Little “Mikey from EFBC of Ellettsville let’s us know the “Dash” he lived was very special. Well done “Mikey”..
  18. Guest: Brenda Brown | Bedford In
    Date: December 30, 2021
    I remember when I was a health care worker taking care of his Mother In Law, he came by one day to check on her to see how she was doing. I let him in and he introduced himself,. He continued down the hallway to check on his mother in law and as he was leaving he told me if I needed anything or if she (MIL) gave me a hard time to let him know.. He was very nice very professional very sincere a very nice gentleman.. I’m sure with his demise there will be a big void.. Prayers for Bonnie Michelle and all family members.. 🙏
  19. Guest: Michele Hill | Bedford, Indiana
    Date: December 30, 2021
    A few years ago I was having a hard time with my son. Mike was the first officer to try and help me. He offered advice and was willing to do what he could to help me get my boy on the right track. I will always be grateful for Mike and the kind words he had for this single mom trying to raise a young man. U will be truly missed.
  20. Guest: Teresa Goodman | Bedford, Indiana
    Date: December 30, 2021
    Mike used to train drug dogs at the Holiday Inn Express and Suites where I worked. He was a very nice guy. We always enjoyed having him and the other officers as well. Rest In Peace my friend. Sending prayers for family and friends!! 🙏🏻
  21. Guest: Christopher C Hester | Bargersville, Indiana
    Date: December 30, 2021
    So many amazing memories, so many grateful phone calls. You were always available for advice from marriage, working my dog and career advancement. You are greatly missed and deeply loved. Chris and Jessica Hester
  22. Guest: Kim Bertolino | Bedford, Indiana
    Date: December 30, 2021
    Mike used to come in George's Gateway all the time, Tom & I thought the world of him. Such a good man. Big hugs & prayers for Bonnie, his family & all his friends ❤
  23. Guest: Betty King | English Indiana
    Date: December 30, 2021
    Prayers for you Bonnie and your family
  24. Guest: Rev. Timothy Showen | Kenna WV
    Date: December 30, 2021
    I remember as a kid in Hurricane WV about 6 10 year old boys crammed into the Johnson’s camper to spend the night. Mike passed gas then we all started passing gas and laughing until Mike said “please no one light a match or we will end up on the moon.” We all laughed and giggled. Then we had to exit the camper and slept out on the lawn.
  25. Guest: Susan Porter | Williams, In
    Date: December 30, 2021
    Mike touched so many people throughout his life and career. We are so honored to have known him and Bonnie. May God hold all of his family in his arms and comfort them through this journey.
  26. Guest: Jayme Tilford | Bloomington Indiana
    Date: December 30, 2021
    My prayers are with your family. He was a great man.