Kokomo, IN - Johnny "Ponce" Ernest Radford Sr., 83, Kokomo, passed away at 9:57 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 29, 2025, with his family by his side.

He was born Oct. 23, 1941, in Hull, Alabama, the son of the late Lonnie and Maggie (Vickery) Radford. On Nov. 6, 1968, he married Dolores E. (Smith) Radford in Jackson, Michigan, and she survives.

Johnny was a 1960 graduate of Jackson High School in Jackson, Michigan. He received his associate Engineer degree from Purdue at Indiana University-Kokomo. Johnny served in the United States Air Force from June of 1960 until March of 1965, earning the rank of Senior Airman (E-4). He loved competing in golf leagues and various bowling leagues in his younger years. Johnny enjoyed camping and traveling, where he would photograph birds and wildflowers. In addition, Johnny was a history buff, as he enjoyed researching his ancestry.

In addition to his wife, Dolores, Johnny is survived by his son, Johnny E. (Athena) Radford; stepchildren, Terry (Colleen) Coolbaugh, Guy (Tami) Coolbaugh, Debbra L. Odle and Cara (Bruce) McKellar; 18 grandchildren; and 38 great-grandchildren.

Johhny was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents, John and Viola (Miller) Radford, Henry and Minne Belle Vickery; stepchildren, Gary Dean Coolbaugh and Shari Jean Coolbaugh; siblings, Vera Nell (Radford) Turner, Charles Radford and James Radford; nieces, Marty Turner and Brenda Smith; and great-grandchildren, Kamryn Kennedy and Kaelynn Coolbaugh.

A funeral service celebrating Johnny's life will take place at 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, at Hasler-Stout Funeral Home, 112 E. Main St., Greentown, with Pastor Ryan Mills officiating. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Cemetery, with military honors provided by the United States Air Force and the Greentown American Legion. Friends may visit with the family from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Tunnel to Towers or the Wounded Warrior Project in Johnny's memory. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.hasler-stout.com.