Michael Wayne Johnson, 81, passed away on January 17, 2025, at Five Star Residences, Lafayette, Indiana. He was born in St. Joseph, Missouri, on May 29, 1943, to the late Jacqueline Ruth Combs Rubins. Raised in Oxford, Indiana, by his grandparents, Walter and Anita "Babe" Johnson, Mike played basketball and baseball, ran cross country, and graduated as Salutatorian of Oxford High School (1961). He received a nomination to the Air Force Academy from Senator Homer E. Capehart and was the first alternate to the Academy.

Mike entered Purdue University as a part-time student in the fall of 1961 and a member of the Acacia Fraternity. Uncle Sam interrupted his studies, drafting him for a two-year stint in the U.S. Army (1967). He served in Germany, received the National Defense Service Medal, and an honorable discharge in 1969. After attending the Indiana University Indiana Realtors Institute and receiving the GRI designation, Purdue University awarded him his Bachelor's degree (December 1980).

Mike dipped his toes in several enterprises beginning with Rare Coins of Lafayette a division of Johnson Enterprises, Inc., which financed his Purdue University studies. The Board of Directors included; Harold W. Beaman, William M. Sholty, M.D., Byron J. Meade, and Robert W. Vermilya, M.D.

Another division of Johnson Enterprises was Friday in Lafayette, which created two social clubs, Never on Friday, a singles club for 21-35-year-olds, and Never on Saturday, a club for couples. He also developed Lafayette's first entertainment publication, "The Lafayette Magazine."

Mike and Ron Hensler opened Lafayette's first nightclub, bringing to the area nationally known entertainers, such as  Wayne Cochran and the C.C. Ryders, Chubby Checker, Bobby Vee, Del Shannon, Freddie Cannon, Bobby Hatfield of the Righteous Brothers, Mickey, Larry, and the Exciters, Peace and Love, and Chocolate and Vanilla.

Mike became active in politics in 1969, running for Lafayette City Council, Third District (1971), a precinct committeeman (1972-74), Chairman of the Tippecanoe County Young Republicans (1974-76), and editor of its monthly publication, "Voice of the Elephant."

Mike joined Century 21 Glick Real Estate in 1975 as a successful real estate broker and was a millionaire dollar producer.  Mike moved to Houston because of its booming real estate market (1981) and was a presenter at the 1982 Texas Association of Realtors.

In Texas, he began long-distance running, competing in two Houston Marathons (1985, 1986).

In 2008, Mike had a stroke that took away his ability to talk, and he returned to Lafayette to be closer to his loved ones. He never recovered his ability to speak, but he became an effective communicator by writing and using gestures. He never failed to get his point across. He continued long-distance running after moving back to Lafayette and in 2013, he ran the Purdue Half Marathon with a time of 2:05:26.7.

Mike was a member of the West Lafayette Masonic Lodge No. 724, the Oxford Presbyterian Church, the Central Presbyterian Church, the Lafayette Ski, the Purdue Alumni Association, and the John Purdue Club. He was a die-hard Purdue Football and basketball fan.

He is survived by sisters, Patricia Johnson Howey (Clark), Dr. Sally Noriega (Carlos), Nancy Rubins, nephews Roger Davis (Holly), Kerry Davis (Barb), Danny Webb, Michael (Ashlee) Noriega and Stephen (Nikki) Noriega, Sean Cannon; nieces Jodie Hicks (Kevin O'Brien), Tiffany Lorton (Aaron) and Michelle (Joe) Mattingly, great-nephews Jim (Holly) Hicks, Joshua (Ashley) Hicks, Justin Hicks, his beloved great-nieces, and great-nephews Brandi (Eric) Nelson, Grace, William, Liam, Tessa, Kyrstie, Brooklyn, Katie, Briley, Harley, Luca, Noa, Ethan, Emily, Elliott, and long-time friends Bob and Diana Sexton, Jim "Allen" Girdler (Becky), Don Correll (Judy), and Pat (Nina) Tolen.

Mike was preceded in death by his mother, Jacqueline Rubins, grandparents Walter and "Babe" Johnson, grand-nephew Jordan Hicks, and his only "daughter" Nellie, a beautiful Dark Golden Retriever.

Visitation hours are 5:00 – 7:00 PM Tuesday, January 21, 2025  with funeral services 11:00 AM Wednesday, January 22, 2025 with Pastor Jeff Stedge officiating all held at Family and Friends Funeral Home of Wingate.  Burial will follow in Justus Cemetery in Oxford.  Mike was a dog lover and in his memory contributions may be direct to Natalie's Second Chance No Kill Dog Shelter (10 S. 16th St. Lafayette, IN 47905).    Visit us online to sign the guest book or share a condolence at www.familyandfriendsfh.com