Nathan Chris Johnson, age 42, died peacefully at his home in Columbus, Ohio, on Friday, September 1, 2023. Nathan is the proud father of a handsome, strapping son Garrett James, who survives him.  Nathan is also survived by his loving mother Terrie (Ted) Rogers, Mt. Sterling, Ohio, his proud father Chris (Debbie) Johnson, Columbus, Ohio, and a loving sister Jessica (Bryan) Olsheski, a niece Ani Olsheski, and two nephews Isaak Olsheski and Alec Olsheski, all of Bexley, Ohio, aunts and uncles and loving cousins.

Nathan was a graduate of Westfall High School in Pickaway County where he played in the band and for one season was a center on the high school football team. Nathan had a large and loving group of Westfall friends. He studied for more than two years at The Ohio State University and Columbus State Community College, majoring in Business, Economics and Paralegal Studies. Nathan achieved high marks in his economics classes and was proud of that accomplishment.

Nathan began his work career at Buckeye Steel and became a certified assembly-line welding inspector on railroad undercarriages produced at the plant. Nathan held certifications in operating heavy machinery, including forklifts and skid-loaders, and he worked in warehouse operations at DSW at John Glenn International Airport and Liberty Recycling. Nathan was Employee of the Year in 2006 when he worked at Deer Creek Resorts. Nathan often received special recognition at DSW for his efforts in production and quality control.

Nathan was nominated to become a peer counselor with the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services through the Community Services Network, CSN, a role designed to provide guidance and support to others dealing with mental health issues and addiction by sharing his story.

Nathan touched the lives of many people in a meaningful way over the course of his life. He had a special relationship with Candace Westfall and they were married in Las Vegas in 2015.  Nathan's friend Scott Rathburn was a great support to him at hard times in his life. Nathan was always willing to lend a hand, helping so many people over the years with physical tasks that required great strength.

Nathan was a poet and a songwriter. Some of Nathan's work was published and a music producer recently purchased three of his songs, an accomplishment that brought him joy. He had a gifted rhyming style; his words and vocals were infused with deep emotion and resonance.

Nathan loved animals and was never reluctant to bring home a rescue.  He delighted the children in his life, including his son, his niece and his nephews, because he was such a big kid at heart.  He had an amazing imagination and a fun spirit. He wasn't an uncle, he was a "funcle."  Nathan loved to fish on the waters of Lake Okeechobee and the pond at his mother and stepfather's farm. He loved to swim with the kids in his dad's pool and spent many happy hours throwing them in the air and making them laugh as only he could.  Nathan traveled to many places in his life and experienced Scottish castles, the beaches of California, the bustle of New York City, the Grand Canyon, the markets of London, the English countryside, and so many other wonderful sights and sounds.  Though Nathan traveled far and wide, his home sanctuaries were divided between his dad's poolhouse and his mom and stepdad's farm.

Nathan had a pure and giving heart and loved his family and his son fiercely. Nathan was strong in so many ways.  He did not have an easy journey in life but he persevered to the very end against incredible odds.

Nathan's services will be held on Saturday, September 9, 2023, with a viewing from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at 19920 Hall Road, Mt. Sterling, Ohio, 43143, service to follow at 5 p.m. Look for the red heart balloons to guide you to the service. Please dress comfortably. The service will be outside with tents for shade.  In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation at https://gofund.me/9370c2bd in memory of Nathan to support Garrett as he embarks on his college journey.