Paul Wayne Johnson, 70, passed away suddenly in his home on Saturday, March 14, 2026.  He was a long-time resident of DeKalb, Illinois, returning after he had spent a portion of his childhood and campus life here as well.

He was born February 29, 1956, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, the son of Duane and Marilyn (Avery) Johnson. 

He befittingly both began and ended his time on this earth on special days and in special places. As a leap-year baby, it was a long-running joke with some of his grand-nephews that he was officially younger than them.

Paul was always up for an adventure and to be present with others. He is known for an epic road trip across the county right after high school with his brother, Bryan, and his cousin, Blane. You could find him getting his certificate as a ham operator, learning how to skydive, spelunking, taking the train into Chicago and catching a deep-dish pizza, or participating in a vintage baseball league - to list a few of his adventures. Paul loved his sports and spent hours documenting the Tigers, Lions, and hockey in a series of Strat-O-Matic notes and games. He loved baseball so much that he had a published article in the 1985 version of "Bill James Baseball Abstract." His favorite place to spend time was at Shabbona Lake Park observing the ducks and hiking. 

Those who have had the opportunity to spend any time with Paul would know him for his kindness, compassion, and intellect. Complete strangers have come up and shared stories with the family of his kindness. Paul was also notorious for the "Johnson" sense of humor, which was always a groan-worthy pun delivered with a completely straight face, and sometimes a wink if you weren't sure if it was a joke or not.

He is survived by his sibling Cyndi Powell of Portsmouth, Virginia; his nieces and nephews Brenda (Kevin Wingert) Huffstutler of Vancouver, Washington; Michelle Huffstutler of Portsmouth, Virginia; Michael Huffstutler of Portsmouth, Virginia; Genevieve Johnson of Portland, Oregon; Michael Johnson of Portland, Oregon; and Kelly (David Watson) Johnson of Portland, Oregon; his stepchildren Natalie (Ed) Nelson of Sycamore, Illinois; Tim (Katy) Gawne of Knoxville, TN; Carrie (Brandon) Davis of Perry, KS; and numerous grandnieces and grandnephews.
 
He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Bryan Lee Johnson. 

He is deeply missed by all still here.

It was a sunny, warm and windy spring day on the first day of the season for MLB when Paul was returned to the earth at one of his favorite places alongside his brother. A memorial will be held at Shabbona Lake Park on June 9, 2026. More details will be provided to friends and family later.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shabbona Lake Park, Kishwaukee Kiwanis Trail where he walked near his home, or Planned Parenthood.