Richard Gene Johnson

Richard Gene Johnson, born January 25, 1938, in Independence, Missouri, to Ralph and Edna Johnson, passed away peacefully on December 10, 2025, at his home in Spring, Texas, with his loving friends and caregivers Dora and Roman Cantu and Mireya Barriga Gallegos by his side. The family wishes to extend special recognition and heartfelt thanks for their kind and loving care of Richard; he was truly blessed to have them in his life.

Richard attended Raytown High School in his hometown of Independence before continuing his education at Graceland College in Lamoni, Iowa, and the University of Missouri–Kansas City. In 1961, he joined the United States Army and served overseas for two tours in Turkey until 1964. Following his military service, he began his civilian career with Skelly Oil, which took him and his family to Des Moines, Iowa in 1968 for six years. In 1974, he and his family moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma with the company, where he and his wife Loretta raised their three boys. After navigating several mergers, Richard and Loretta relocated to Spring, Texas with Texaco in 1985, where he completed his career with Chevron, retiring in 1999 with 35 years with the same company.

Richard married Loretta Francis Ritchie Johnson in 1960. Loretta, originally from Ontario, California, met Richard while attending Graceland. Together they shared 60 years of marriage until her passing in 2020. Their union was marked by love, faith, and family. Richard carried her memory with him always.

Richard spent much of his time raising his three sons and creating memories, carrying them on his shoulders as they greeted him down the street from their house as he walked home from work daily in Des Moines, stopping by Mr. Donut on Saturdays, climbing on the army tank or sledding in the snow at Ft. Dodge. In Tulsa, Richard was always active with his sons. His first priority was ensuring they were active at church including mowing the church lawn every Saturday, which helped teenage boys burn off energy while learning responsibility. To be near his sons, he served as assistant Boy Scout leader, assisted in coaching on their sports teams, and most importantly was a constant presence in their lives, teaching them how to do donuts in the church parking lot in winter and having a game of catch in the front yard. If any one of his sons or anyone else ever were in need, he never hesitated or questioned and was there to help. His grandchildren were an incredible joy in his life, he loved spending time with them, attending their school and sporting events, taking short trips or just going out to eat. He especially embraced the big hugs they gave him.

He was a proud FORD man, fondly remembering the 1949 convertible his uncle Ed Larson gave him as a teenager, which he drove through high school and college. His favorite song was “Tennessee Waltz,” and his favorite meal was grilled cheese and tomato soup. Dogs held a special place in his heart, Dusty was perhaps his favorite. Richard and Loretta hosted birthday parties for years for Dusty in their front yard, complete with Kibby the Clown, endless cookies and cupcakes, face painting, balloons and neighborhood children, celebrating until the sun went down.

Besides his family, Richard’s faith and service to our Lord Jesus Christ was his top priority. He served in many roles within the Community of Christ church, where his devotion and leadership touched countless lives. Richard and Loretta, together with close friends, helped establish a new congregation in Livingston, Texas, where they touched many lives. There Richard also became acquainted with distant Hancock relatives, a joyful surprise for all.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Edna Hancock Johnson; his sister, Shirley Phelps; and his beloved wife, Loretta Francis Ritchie Johnson. He is survived by his three sons: Kenneth Johnson and wife Toni of Broken Arrow, OK; Ronald Johnson and wife Erin of Houston, TX; and Donald Johnson and wife Shirley of Broken Arrow, OK. He was a proud grandfather to Brent C. Johnson; Shannon Johnson Magallan and husband Hunter; Sarah Powell and husband Jake (and their children Jaxon and Sadie); Serena Johnson; and Alex Butler and his family. He was blessed with multiple great-grandchildren. Richard is additionally survived by his niece Becky White and husband Eddie, and nephew David Phelps and wife Terri, along with their families. He is also survived by his first cousin Bill Larson his best friend growing up and many other cousins and numerous close friends.

Richard will be remembered for his steadfast faith, his devotion to his wife and sons and extended family, and his gentle spirit that blessed all who knew him. His family is deeply grateful for the long-lasting friendships he cherished throughout his lifetime. His legacy will be one of deep faith, a servant heart and humble generosity.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the charity of your choosing.

Services and visitation will be held December 22, 2025, at the American Heritage Funeral Home, 10710 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston. A private burial will take place at the Houston Veterans Cemetery. A reception will be held at Community of Christ Church after the service. All are welcome to join us for a potluck reception. The church and Ron will provide the main course of BBQ.