Robert Henry Johns October 30 1942 – October 26, 2020

Robert Henry Johns age 77, of Sheridan (Terhune) Indiana; was called home on Monday, October 26th.  Bob was born in Lebanon, Indiana on October 30, 1942 to the late Henry Clifford and Florence Mable (Demaree) Johns.  Bob was a 1960 graduate from Sheridan High School.  He attended Purdue University from 1960-1962 then transferred to the University of Oklahoma in 1962 where he finished earning his bachelor's degree in meteorology in 1965. Bob's interest in weather started at a very young age.  His father Henry owned/operated a general store in Terhune.  Being in the heart of farm country, the farmers would come into the store and always talk about the weather, primarily if there would be enough rain or if the rain would cease any time soon, etc.  The farmers would also talk about rain patterns, and when it did rain how many inches they collected in their rain gauges. Bob made his own rain gauge out of a tomato can and placed two bricks on each side of the can and would use a wooden ruler to measure the rain water that old can collected.  From there, his interest in meteorology started.  After H.S. graduation Bob got his first break working as a student trainee for the Indianapolis Weather Bureau Office.  After earning his bachelor's degree he was assigned to work at the Weather Bureau Office in Ft. Wayne, Indiana.  Bob then became a Lieutenant & Ship Officer on the U.S. Coast & Geodetic Survey Corps.  After retiring from the military he resumed his job as a meteorologist for the National Weather Service Forecast Office…National Severe Storms Forecast Center.  From there his job shifted to Science & Operations Officer…Storm Prediction Center.  He once told his parents that he felt guilty for being paid to do something that he loved so much.  During his career he had written numerous publications and is an author of two books, (The 1925 Tri-State Tornado's Devastation & Palm Sunday 1965 in Central Indiana).   Bob's research projects on severe storms and tornadoes were one of his many passions along with his workshops on predicting severe storms. It's been said that his detailed surface charts were works of art!  When he wasn't working you might find him walking the many miles of trails on his Norman, Oklahoma farm or hosting a barbeque party with his friends.  He was a kind and humble man, a mentor and inspirational leader to many. .. a meteorologist of such accomplishment that will truly be missed by his colleagues & family.  Bob is survived by his brother Donald D. Johns and his bonus sister Myrna K. (Demaree) Rodriguez.  Bob is preceded in death by his parents Henry & Florence Johns, and his sister Mary E. (Johns) Calvert.  A private family graveside service will be held at Crown View Cemetery in Sheridan, Indiana.  All are encouraged to leave a condolence or to sign Bob's guest book at fisherfunerals.com. Fisher Family Funeral Services is honored to serve the Johns Family.