With broken hearts, we announce the passing of Mearl Steven Johnson, beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, son, grandson, nephew.

Mearl passed away, at home yesterday, surrounded by family, after a valiant battle with lung cancer. He is survived by his two children, Tiffani Johnson (Grzegorz Kolwalski), and Zachary Johnson; grandchildren: Daniel, David, and Corbin; his best friend and trusted confidant: Kathy Hudson; his siblings: Edward and Christina (Johnson) Thibert, Robert Johnson, Michael and Irene (Johnson) Russell, Corey and Charlotte (Johnson) Liss; many nieces and nephews: very dear niece Amanda, Jessy, Michael, Alex, Nikita; as well as several great nieces and nephews. He regrettably had to leave behind his beloved dogs: Trip, Dax, and Pinky. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers: Robert Jr. Johnson and Mark Luis Johnson.

Mearl was born in Plainwell, Michigan to Robert and Lillian (LaFountain) Johnson, and soon he was affectionately nicknamed Topper, after tv character Cosmo Topper. He was a 1979 graduate of Morton Senior High School in Hammond, Indiana. After high school, he joined the Army. When discharged, he returned to Hammond and worked at Youngstown Steel, before working his way up from janitor at a jewelry business, to the jeweler behind the window, at Armstrong Jewelers, in Woodmar Mall. A few years after surviving a serious motorcycle injury in 1984, he worked in the construction industry, showcasing his immense physical strength and incredible endurance.

Mearl loved animals, especially his dogs. He fed the squirrels and deer that came to his yard daily. He lead a simple life of helping others and giving freely. It was nothing for him to mow the lawns and shovel the driveways of his neighbors, whenever he did his own. He took the homeless in, and fed the hungry. Mearl made it his mission to look out for those in need; he repaired autos, did handyman tasks, gave rides to work, and dropped off free food, never asking for anything in return. Mearl never said “no” to anyone in need. R.I.P. Mearl, your work here is done.

Family and friends are invited to gather from 11 AM until 12 Noon on Monday, August 10, 2026 at Adams – Redmond – Parchment Funeral Home in Parchment, MI, where a funeral service will follow at 12 Noon. A time of fellowship will follow at the same location. Cremation will follow the services.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Indiana on Friday, August 14, 2026, from 4 PM to 8 PM at Calumet Park Funeral Chapel (7535 Taft Street, Merrillville). Donations may be made to a local animal rescue of your choice.