By Karen Andrew
The Cincinnati Enquirer

FAIRFIELD - Raymond R. Johnson, mayor of Springdale from 1975 to 1983, died Thursday at the Hospice of Cincinnati. He was 72.

Born in 1930, he grew up in the West End, one of 11 children. He graduated from Woodward High School in 1948.

He married Jeanette E. Heisler of Oakley in 1950.

He began working at Procter & Gamble in 1952 in product development and was an assistant brand manager in the 1980s. After 34 years of service, Mr. Johnson retired in 1986.

His involvement with his children's recreational activities led to his interest in city affairs.

Mr. Johnson served on Springdale City Council (1971-75), before he was elected mayor. From 1985 to 1989, he served as Springdale District Two councilman.

During his tenure, improvements on two major roads, Springfield and Princeton pikes, began, and the city saw growth at a time when nearby cities' populations were declining. "He was the most dedicated public servant I have ever had the privilege to work with," said Springdale Mayor Doyle Webster.

He was a public servant who kept his day job most of the years he was in politics.

"He'll be most remembered for his dedication to his family, especially his loyalty to his wife and the strength of their 53-year marriage," said his daughter, Cheryl Pez of Springdale. "He also loved and understood children in a very special way. Most recently, his joy has been in spending time with his 23 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.''

In addition to his daughter, wife, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, survivors include three brothers, Frank, Harold and Donald, all of Cincinnati; six other daughters, Teresa Heis of Fairfield, Barbara Ortman and Karen Davis, both of Springdale, Jennifer Meiners of Liberty Township, Beverly Herre of West Chester, and Lisa Jashari of Mason; and two sons, Ray of Greenville, S.C. and Jerry of College Hill.

A Mass of Christian burial will be 10 a.m. today at St. Gabriel Church, 48 W. Sharon Road, Glendale. Memorials: Hospice of Cincinnati, c/o Bethesda Foundation, P.O. Box 710784, Cincinnati 45271; or Springdale Veterans Memorial Fund, 11700 Springfield Pike, Springdale, OH 45246.

E-mail kandrew@enquirer.com.