Former Martin High School basketball coach Herbert “Herb” Leon Johnson died Thursday, Oct. 30. He was 89.
Herb was born to his late parents Verlin and Eva (Burke) Johnson on May 14, 1936, in Allegan. After graduating from Bloomingdale High School, heearned a bachelor’s degree from Ferris State University, and then a master’s degree in education from Michigan State University.
Herb then began teaching at Martin High School and remained there until his retirement 33 years later. While at Martin, Herb taught office practices, accounting, typing and was a beloved track and basketball coach. In 1986, he was honored as coach of the year. Herb was later inducted into the Martin High School Hall of Fame.
Herb was competitive and loved coaching as much as teaching and guiding his students and players towards successful lives.
Outside of teaching, Herb, with his brothers Ken and Jim, enjoyed playing golf. In 1967, he designed a layout for an 18-hole golf course. The brothers then bought property in Cheshire Township, built and opened the first nine holes in 1972, calling it Cheshire Hills Golf Course. A few years later, they added another nine. A driving range and nine more holes were added in the 1990s, creating the present day 27-hole layout.
Herb was also passionate about Camp Kidwell in Bloomingdale, believing in their mission serving youth while being an active board member, fund-raiser and donor.
Herb was an avid sports fan. He loved watching and attending the Lions, Tigers, Red Wings and his Spartans.
He is survived by his brother Kenny (Marcia) Johnson; nieces and nephews Alan (Terri) Johnson, Melissa Johnson, Blythe Cummings, Dean Johnson, Justin Johnson and Beth (Mike) Day; great-niece Tiffany Johnson and special family members Steven, Brianna and Eastyn Johnson.
He was preceded in death by his parents Verlin and Eva and brothers, Jim Johnson and Harry Johnson.
A celebration of life will take place on June 13, 2026, at Cheshire Hills Golf Course. Details to be announced as the date approaches.
