He was born on February 18, 1934 in Cedar Falls to the late Harvey and Mary (Lee Waits) Johnson.
Richard worked for the Illinois Central Railroad for 36 years, retiring in July of 1996. He was a life member of the United Transportation Union serving as a local chairman for 8 years.
Richard served with the United States Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict. He was a member of American Legion Post 237 Cedar Falls, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5240 Humboldt, Waterloo lodge 105 & York Rite Bodies of Waterloo.
Richard is survived by his wife Joyce, three children Darrell, Donna Boyd (Sam) & Charles (Mel) Johnson and five step-children Patricia Spaur, Vaughn Reekers, Barbara Lewis, Roxanne Umbenhauer & Todd Reekers. Also surviving are 11 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, 15 step-grandchildren & 22 step-great grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, January 12,2017 at 1pm at West Resthaven Funeral Home, 6450 W Northern Avenue, Glendale, AZ 85301. Internment with military honors will follow at Resthaven Park Cemetery.
