Richard William Johnson

Prepare to be amazed with this story of our father...

Richard William Johnson, "Dick", was born on May 10, 1946 in Davenport, Iowa and went to his forever home on May 29, 2025 surrounded by his loving family in Tulsa, Oklahoma after a brief period of illness.

His children share the writing of his story to bring encouragement from the life of an extraordinary man and to point to the redemptive story God wrote over his lifetime.



Dick was born on May 10th, 1946 to his biological mother, Josephine Irma Kohn, on her 20th birthday. His biological father is unknown. Josephine died of a postpartum event five days after the birth of her son leaving him orphaned. It was then that he was adopted by Catherine Elizabeth Johnson, his great aunt, and her husband Darrell. When Dick was only three, Darrell walked away from his responsibilities as a husband and father, leaving the family behind. What followed was a remarkable journey, as Catherine lovingly raised her only son on her own. Dick was the apple of Catherine's eye and they had an uncommon, deep, love for one another that was used to fill the gaps and overcome loss in both of their lives. Catherine was a dedicated disciple of Jesus and raised Dick to embrace faith, integrity, positivity, generosity, hard work, and the simple pleasures of life!

While growing up in Fairfield, Iowa, Dick formed some of his deepest friendships that he treasured - even calling one lifelong friend to sing happy birthday and say goodbye during the final hours. As a young boy he liked to dress up as a cowboy and play outside. He fondly remembered the kindness of many in Fairfield who helped support his single mother and ensured his well-being, including Lee Gobble and the Behner family. In high school, Dick was a fierce Fairfield Trojan football player. Memories from his high school years remained important to him throughout his life, attending nearly every class reunion, including his 60th reunion in 2024, when his daughter Julie played chauffeur driving he and his friends around for a weekend of fun!

After graduating high school in 1964, Dick joined the Army. During his time of service, he started exchanging letters with Bobbie Kay Kessler, sparking the beginning of their relationship. The two of them went on their first date to her high school sweetheart dance in 1965. The beautiful couple fell in love and were married on May 25, 1968 in the Barhydt Chapel at Parsons College.

Dick and Bobbie were happily married for 33 years before Bobbie died at age 53. Bobbie was the love of Dick's life and their greatest joy was their children - twin daughters Lisa and Lori, son Jeff, and youngest daughter Julie. Family was of utmost importance to Dick and Bobbie and they built a happy home and life they loved in Fairfield, Iowa. Dick was an excellent provider and a generous man with his time, talents, treasures, and influence. Despite not growing up with a father in the home, he carried the title "Best Dad Ever" bestowed upon him by his four children. Dick and Bobbie would often acknowledge dear friends and mentors Harry and Madalene Cannon as influential people who helped guide and shape their lives as parents. Dick welcomed fatherhood in a way that extended beyond his own children, becoming a guiding father-figure to many of his children's friends, constantly seeking opportunities to make a positive impact and offer encouragement. After Bobbie's passing in 2001, he took on a broader parental role in all of our lives. He covered every base and need of his family as father, friend, and grandfather with unwavering devotion. He was tender, caring, encouraging, a great listener, and the biggest cheerleader to his children, their spouses, and his grandchildren. Each one of us has our own unique bond with him that will never be forgotten.

Dick Johnson began his career in 1967 at Kessler Distributing in Fairfield, Iowa - a welding gas and supply company owned by his future father-in-law. Starting in the warehouse sweeping floors and learning to weld, Dick worked his way up through dedication, humility, and hard work. Over the next 20 years, he earned the respect of colleagues and customers, eventually becoming President of Kessler's. In 1987, during its acquisition by Airgas, Inc., Dick transitioned to lead as President of the Midwest, then MidSouth Division of Airgas. He retired in 1999 - but he wasn't done yet. Returning to the family business, K+R Manufacturing, Dick brought his experience and entrepreneurial spirit to help shape its future. He led by four core principles: firm, fair, frank, and friendly, and became the steady hand and trusted advisor behind K+R's growth and culture. Dick's life was devoted to building a lasting legacy - one rooted in faith, family, and integrity. Today, the K+R Companies continue to thrive, a reflection of his vision and leadership. From warehouse worker to mentor, Dick's journey remains deeply woven into the company he helped build - and the lives he touched along the way.

Dick built community and formed deep relationships in a number of locations during his retirement years. As a resident of Lake of the Ozarks, Jefferson City, Columbia, Missouri, and Tulsa, Oklahoma he prioritized attending special family occasions and activities for each grandchild. In 2018, he went on a date with "a nurse in Columbia", Wendy Evans. Soon after, they became neighbors in Columbia, Missouri and began a special relationship; regularly enjoying Mizzou sporting events and vacationing together. In May of 2024, Wendy became his forever fiancé and they relocated to Bixby, Oklahoma where they lived two miles from his daughters, Lisa and Julie and a short driving distance from daughter, Lori. Exploring Tulsa's dining spots, staying active at his gym and with his trainers, and gathering for weekly Sunday family dinners that were reminiscent of traditions from his own childhood became important highlights in his last year of life.

One of Dick's most treasured places on earth was Bear Creek Farms in Blairstown, Missouri-a farm he built alongside his son Jeff. Over the years, Bear Creek became a beloved gathering spot for family and friends, hosting cherished traditions like annual Thanksgiving celebrations and his 'Father/Son Duck Hunting Weekend' each December. For the past 15 years, in addition to his own family this special weekend was faithfully attended by his lifelong friends Ned Ewart, Steve Small, Royse Huff, and their sons.

Though none of us understood that our Dad had a short time left on earth, we now look back on the last six months with him in awe, marveling at how he made sure nothing was left unsaid, spending meaningful time with each of his children, grandchildren, and many friends. His daily declaration, shared with everyone until his final day-that 'this was a great day' no matter what life was handing us-will stay with us forever. When asked about his earliest memory, he smiled as he recalled himself as a young boy dressed as a cowboy and sitting on a pony in his backyard. After a valiant 12 day fight in the hospital, he declared he was ready to 'ride off into the sunset'. He peacefully transitioned to his forever home with Jesus and we take comfort in knowing we will be together again.

Dick is survived by his children; Lisa (Scott) Goldsmith, Lori (Noel) Tugwell, Jeff (Christy) Johnson, and Julie (Tim) Hallama; 13 grandchildren: Abby, Campbell, Griffin and Reese Goldsmith; Louis, Lily, Silas and Esther Tugwell; Ethan, Owen and Graham Johnson; Macy and Beckett Hallama; his forever fiancé, Wendelin Evans. He was preceded in death by his mother, Catherine Elizabeth Johnson, wife Bobbie Kay Johnson, and grandson Titus Tugwell.

Dick's proudest accomplishment was his family. It is our honor to celebrate his life and legacy on June 21st, 2025 at 2pm at Cedar Ridge Country Club: 10302 S Garnett Rd, Broken Arrow, OK 74011.

In lieu of flowers or other memorial, please consider donating to one of the organizations listed below that are close to Dick's heart.

In keeping with the spirit of his adoption story and passion for strong families, memorial contributions can be made in Dick's name to Titus Task - a non-profit started by his daughter. www.titustask.com

In honor of Dick's love for duck hunting, wildlife, and people memorial contributions can also be made in his name to Ducks Unlimited. www.ducks.org/get-involved/memorial-giving

If you would like to send messages to the family or have questions about lodging for the celebration of life please email: 4rwjohnson@gmail.com