Elmo Johnson

Rev. Elmo Johnson was born on February 20, 1941, in Buckhorn, Kentucky, to Beechie and Essie (Gibson) Johnson, and passed away on March 10, 2026, at the age of 85. He began his ministry as a song leader and was an original member of the Dayton Ambassadors from 1967 to 1976, where he found great joy in singing for the Lord. A gifted songwriter, he composed three songs, one of which was copyrighted, and was working on a fourth at the time of his passing. Ordained as a minister in 1969, he accepted his first pastoral position in 1976 and faithfully served four churches over 57 years in ministry. At the time of his death, he was serving as pastor of the Lighthouse Baptist Temple. During his years of service, he earned a BA degree in Theology and remained steadfast in his devotion to his Savior.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his step-mother, Oma Jean; his brothers, Elmer and Estill Johnson; and his sisters, Delilah Chasteen and Debi Johnson.

Rev. Elmo is survived by his beloved wife and best friend of 66 years, Ruth (Milligan) Johnson; his sons, James (Kim) Johnson and Steve (Kim) Johnson; his daughter, Belinda (Mark) Crawford; six grandchildren, Holly (Bill) Knightly, Sierra (Jacob) White, Michael (Ashley) Johnson, Cara (Jared) Worthen, Amanda (Michael) Carr, and Kyle Tillman; six great-grandchildren, Derrick White, Hayden Johnson, Lucas Worthen, Charlie Carr, Emily Carr, and Remy Johnson; his sister, Edna (Cliff) Smith; and a host of extended family and friends.