Robert G. Johns: October 15, 1946 - August 1, 2026 Robert G. “Bob” Johns, 79, of Canton, passed away peacefully on August 1, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Born on October 15, 1946, to John S. and Emma D. Johns, he was a lifelong resident of the Canton community.

A 1964 graduate of Lehman High School, Bob served as senior class president and excelled in athletics, earning All-Ohio honors in baseball, All-City honors in basketball, and the title of Canton City Tennis Champion. He graduated from Mount Union College in 1968, earning a BA in Economics, Business Administration, and Accounting, and was a four-year tennis letterman. During college, Bob shared his love of sports as a tennis instructor, mentoring many young players.

Bob served in the United States Army as a Chaplain’s Assistant in Germany and continued in the Army Reserve, earning three Good Conduct Medals and the rank of Specialist 5th Class. After his military service, he worked with the United Steelworkers of America before becoming an entrepreneur, creating numerous jobs throughout Stark and surrounding counties. Bob operated more than ten businesses, including Tri-City Office Supply in Canton, which he co-owned with his uncle, Russell Griffin. At the time of his passing, he was an owner of Vanex Tube Corporation in Niles, Ohio.

Over the years, Bob was active in community service, serving on many boards, including City of Hope and United Way, and completing four terms as president of the Canton Recreation Department. He was known for his generosity and his unwavering willingness to help others.

A devoted Cleveland sports fan and accomplished golfer with multiple holes-in-one, Bob found joy in yard work, solving crossword and sudoku puzzles, and savoring a good coney. Yet nothing lit him up the way his grandchildren did. Being “Papa” was his greatest joy, and he often shared with them a favorite piece of wisdom: “Take the time to learn something new each day.”

Bob was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Rob and Amber Johns; his daughter and son-in-law, Christine and Louis Altman; his grandchildren Abby and Lilly Altman, and Camden, Braylen, and Lynette Johns; his fiancée, Clara Michailides; his sister, Irene (Johns) Lewis-Motts; and his former spouse, Lynn Johns. He will also be missed by his fiancée’s children and grandchildren, as well as many dear friends.

We are deeply grateful to our cousin, Dr. James D. Johns, and his wife, Donna, for their support and guidance through many medical decisions. Per Bob’s wishes, there will be no calling hours. Memorial contributions may be made in honor of Robert G. Johns to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation at www.t2t.org. Memories may be shared at www.rossifuneralhomeinc.com

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