Richard Duane Johnson

He was surrounded by his family, as he entered into his eternal rest.

Born July 21, 1937 at home in Highland Township, Lewis County, MO, Richard was the son of Clyde David Johnson and Faye Esther Johnson (Decker) of Taylor, MO.

Richard married Phyllis Ann Spidle of Quincy, IL on Nov. 19, 1955 at Calvary Baptist Church where they were members.

Richard was devoted to his wife who he lovingly referred to as his “little squaw”. Their 61 years together were joyful, exciting and, at times, unpredictable.

In his youth, Richard worked for his father at Johnson Farm and Feed Supply in Taylor, MO.

In 1971 Richard moved his family west to Colorado then to Arizona. He loved the desert life. He was a member of the Little Bell Saddle Club where he enjoyed horseback trips.

One of his greatest thrills was watching his daughter’s barrel race.

From 1976 to 1994 Richard worked for Marshall Erdman Construction Co., building medical clinics and additions to hospitals all over the U.S.

He became a superintendent and held that position for many years until health issues forced him into retirement.

Richard was always there to help friends and family with carpentry projects or whatever they needed.

He was a kind, honest and generous son, husband, father, grandpa and friend.

He believed in the honor and integrity of the handshake. No deal could be broken once he shook your hand.

He loved the Denver Broncos and Colorado Rockies, but his favorite players were his sons.

Richard was an avid hunter his entire life, hunting elk and deer mostly, and he loved to fish.

He looked forward to father and son hunting trips along with special friends.

Survivors include: his wife, Phyllis Johnson; daughters, Charla Gansen of Lincoln, NE and Beth Johnson of Ft. Collins, CO;

a son Brad Johnson (Ann) of Brighton, CO; grandson, Scott Orth of Ft. Collins, CO;

granddaughters: Amber Munsell (Casey) of West Jordan, UT, Kari Brennan (Joe) of Lincoln, NE, and Jennifer Mitchell of Brighton, CO;

great grandchildren: Taylor, Addee, Ellie and McKenna Munsell of West Jordan, UT, Starla, Emma, and Alex Brennan of Lincoln, NE;

a sister, Juanita Schluckebier (Kenny) of Palmyra, MO and many nieces and nephews.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Greg D. Johnson, a sister Dixie Brose and brother-in-law Victor Brose, and brother David Johnson.

As a husband, daddy, grandpa and great grandpa, he leaves us with many loving memories to be cherished, and much wisdom to pass on. We will miss him.

There will be a celebration of life on Sat. May 13th, open house between 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm. For location information please contact us at: [email protected]

In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation can be made to The American Cancer Society.

The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to all the staff at North Shore Manor in Loveland for their kind and loving care of Richard and support for the family.

We would also like to extend our sincere gratitude to the hospice team at Halcyon for their love and support.