- Date Of Birth: December 6, 1937
- Date Of Death: November 28, 2013
- State: Indiana
Muncie – Paul Douglas (Sonny) Johnson, 75, passed away Thursday November 28, 2013 at his home unexpectedly.
He was born December 6, 1937 in Lawrence County, Indiana, the son of Clinton Johnson and Loretta Johnson-Ward.
Sonny attended Muncie Central High School. He served his Country in the Navy during the Korean conflict.
He began boxing in the Navy and transitioned to Karate after his discharge. Making Karate his career, he taught hundreds of students and professional fighters for over forty years. Continuing to train and support them in the discipline of Karate until his last day. He was inducted into the Karate and Kick Boxing Hall of Fame in 1997 to join such names as Bill Wallace and Chuck Norris. He also served as the State Director for The Professional Karate Commission (PKC) and was an active board member.
He was also an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed camping, fishing and hunting.
Sonny was a lifelong musician, songwriter and vocalist and was a member of The Originals with Ron Bonham in high school. He toured the US and abroad with a band called The Demons, performing with other artists such as James Brown and Jerry Lee Lewis.
Survivors include three sons, Dean Clark of Muncie, Sean Beckstrom of Indianapolis, Christopher M. Stewart of Bowling Green, Florida; a daughter Melishia Johnson of Indianapolis and six grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a step-father, Clifford Ward; and a granddaughter, Heather Marie Beckstrom.
