Richard Lee Johnson

Richard was born in Savannah, Missouri to Norris Joseph Johnson and Lula Mae Johnson on 6/12/1933. He attended Savannah High School prior to enlisting in the United Stated Air Force at the age of 17. He served our country honorably until discharge in 1953. In 1956 he married Carol Lou Bauman, and over several years they welcomed four children into their home. While Richard worked in a variety of industries in his youth, from farming to truck driving, he ended up in the telephone business for over 30 years until he retired in 1992.

Richard was involved in both the Masons and the Shriners since the mid-eighties. He enjoyed many outdoor activities such as fishing, hunting and golf when he was younger. As he matured his interests turned to indoor hobbies; he taught himself all he could about computers and built several in recent years for himself and most of his family.

Richard is preceded in death by his father, Norris Joseph Johnson, Sr.; his mother, Lula Mae Johnson; and Kristen Johnson, an infant sister.

Richard is survived by his wife of 57 years, Carol Johnson of Salem, Oregon; His children Cheryl Johnson of Portland, Oregon; Richard Lee Johnson, Jr. of Lebanon, Oregon; Lisa Bracken of St. Joseph, Missouri; and Brenda Johnson of Woodburn, Oregon. Richard is also survived by his brothers Norris Johnson of Savannah, Missouri and Dean Johnson of Derby, Kansas; and his sister Beverly Smith of Houston, Texas. He also leaves behind many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as nieces and nephews.

A private family memorial has been held, and interment will be held at a later date at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland Oregon.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Gentiva Hospice and Howell, Edwards, Doerksen with Rigdon-Ransom Funeral Directors.

I’m Free

Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free, I'm following the path God laid for me.

I took his hand when I heard his call, I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day, To laugh, to love, to work, to play.

Tasks left undone must stay that way, I've found that peace at the end of the day.

If my parting has left a void, Then fill it with remembered joy.

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, Ah, yes, these things too I will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow, I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.

My Life's been full, I savoured much, Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief, Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.

Lift up your heart and share with me, God wanted me now, He set me free.

Janice M. Fair-Salters