Paul Johnson

Paul Rodney Johnson, 74, of Baxter KY, departed this life on Friday, February 28, 2025, with his devoted wife of nearly 50 years, Paula by his side. He was a dedicated family man who loved God, family and country. He served as a deacon at Liggett Baptist Church and believed in the Baptist faith.

Paul courageously served two tours of duty during the Vietnam War as a member of the United States Air Force. He would later spend 22 years working in the coal mines before going back to school and becoming a middle school Social Studies teacher. All while also serving in the Kentucky National Guard, which included a stateside deployment following 9/11 with Operation Noble Eagle. He valued education and felt a strong sense of duty to his country.

There was no doubt, however, that his greatest love on this earth was his wife, Paula. They rarely left each other’s side and were incredible examples of the true definition of devotion. He was an amazing father and his 2 daughters, Rachel and Laura, adored him and were truly “daddy’s girls”. When the girls married, he welcomed Jason Burkhart and Justin Curry with open arms as his sons. He was blessed with one granddaughter that was the true “sunshine” of his life, Emma June Curry.

Paul is preceded in death by his parents Carl and Dora (Stewart) Johnson; two brothers, Benny Johnson and Bill Johnson; two sisters, Phyllis Miller and Jenny Johnson; and his in-laws Paul and Mary Bell (Hensley) Asher, who loved him like their own.

Left behind to mourn him until they meet again in Heaven are his loving wife Paula (Asher) Johnson; two daughters, Rachel (Jason) Burkhart of Ages, KY and Laura (Justin) Curry of Baxter, KY; one granddaughter, Emma June Curry of Baxter, KY; three sisters, Liz Rapier, Darlene Lemarr, Vera Williams and her husband Rev. Dennis Williams; caregivers that were more like family; Jeff Roark, Brenda Hensley, Teresa Henry, Rick Brackett and Brandon Hampton; and a host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Wednesday, March 5th at Liggett Baptist Church from 5PM until 7PM. Funeral services will begin at 7PM with Rev. Dennis Williams and Pastor Bobby Cornett officiating.  

Military Burial Honors by the Harlan County Honor Guard will be held on Thursday, March 6th at Resthaven Cemetery Chapel at 11AM. Friends and family will serve as pallbearers and his brothers-in-law as honorary pallbearers.

On behalf of the staff of the Henson & Rich Funeral Home we would like to offer our heartfelt sympathy to the family during their time of bereavement.

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