Richard Turner Johnson

Richard Turner Johnson passed away peacefully surrounded by family in Natchitoches, Louisiana on August 22, 2025 at the age of 82. Richard is survived by his loving wife Barbara whom he was married to for 55 years. Their son Lance Johnson (wife Terrah) of Shreveport; granddaughters Emmalyn, Hannah, and Gracie. Daughter Leslie Johnson Kennedy (husband Mickey) of Southlake, Texas; granddaughters Addisyn and Amelia. Brother Lovick Howard Johnson III (wife Adris) and daughter-in-law Christy Johnson Everett of Natchitoches. He is proceeded in death by his parents Lovick Howard Johnson Jr. and Stella Turner Johnson and his son Richard Turner Johnson Jr.

Richard was born and raised in Natchitoches and went on to become a successful businessman owning L.H. Johnson Wholesale with his brother Lovick for over 50 years. The Wholesale brought so much joy to the whole family who spent many days there helping customers purchase for their stores, buying and selling pecans, and providing candy for The Natchitoches Christmas Festival. The Wholesale employed many members of the community who all became family.

Richard loved spending time with his family and traveling, he and Barbara traveled to many wonderful places with some of his favorite places being Las Vegas, Nevada; Park City, Utah; North Carolina; and Maine. He loved playing tennis and spent many weekends traveling all over the South playing in tournaments with Barbara and so many others who became lifelong friends. He also loved spending time outdoors fishing with his kids and planting and harvesting pecan trees. He loved learning about the different varieties of pecan trees and would ride to his farm every evening to check on his orchard.

A visitation will be held from 12:30pm-2pm Wednesday, August 27 at Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home; with a memorial service at 2pm followed by a celebration of life reception at Riverside Reserve, 104 Mill Street, Natchitoches from 3:30-5:30. A private family burial will follow that evening.

Pallbearers include: Payne Williams, Ryan Stehr, Chad Methvin, Trent Methvin, Cody LaCaze, and Lucky Kerry. Honorary pallbearers include: Gary DeBlieux, Frank Hines, Scooter Perot, Riley LaCaze, and Dannie Methvin.

The family would like to thank all the wonderful doctors, nurses, therapists and staff at Natchitoches Regional Medical Center plus the amazing caring staff of Hospice of Natchitoches. Also thank you to Natchitoches Community Care Center for making Richard’s time there so enjoyable and caring for him like he was family. Your dedication to his health will always be remembered, cherished and appreciated.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or FAUNA-animal rescue of Natchitoches.