Wayne A. Johnson, 74, of Lapaz passed away at 9:45 a.m. Saturday, August 1, 2015, at Signature Health Care in Bremen. He was born May 1, 1941, to Arnold and Evelyn (Wurst) Johnson in Evergreen Park, Ill. Wayne is survived by a brother: Roy (Sarah) Johnson, West Lafayette. He was preceded in death by his parents.

He graduated from Purdue University in 1964 with a degree in art and design. Following several years teaching art at Jimtown High School, he went on to work as a sales associate and interior design consultant at Pletcher’s Furniture Store in Nappanee before assuming design and management responsibilities at Hop-Cap Corporation and Bornemann Products in Bremen.

Wayne enjoyed helping people. He will be remembered for his love of cooking and planning meals for parties, as well as his love of gardening. He enjoyed working outside to make things look picture perfect with his many brightly-colored flowers. Above all, he was an avid fan of Purdue and Big Ten sports. His Purdue football tailgate parties were legendary.

A time of visitation will take place from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, August 5, at Mishler Funeral Home, Bremen.

A funeral service in Mr. Johnson’s honor will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, August 6, at the funeral home with the Rev. Dr. Jeff Cover officiating. Burial will follow in the Bremen Cemetery, Bremen.

Memorials may be directed to PETA-People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.