Richard Johnson

Richard Glen Johnson a 92 year old Wyoming native , who went to be with his Lord and Savior on January 3, 2011. Richard was living at the Life Care Center in Casper at the time of his death, just two weeks after burying his wife, Jean Wagoner Johnson. He was born to parents John P. and Ruth A. (Davis ) Johnson on November 24, 1918 in Powell, Wyoming. Richard grew up in the ranching environment, on his parents homestead around the Wilwood Creek area, and attended school in Powell. He learned all facets of carpentry, construction and remodeling from his quick mind, inquisitive desire to know how things went together and worked, and on the job training. His industrious abilities resulted in becoming a construction contractor, among other things, having supervised construction of the current Mills City/County Building-Which he then became superintendent of until his retirement. He also built his and Jean's retirement home in Wickenburg, Arizona, becoming snowbirds in the colder months for many years.
Richard loved to hike around the Wyoming and Arizona outdoors, was an avid hunter, and gifted wood carver – making a beautiful collection of hand-carved wild animals and children's toys. He was also a very accomplished harmonica player, violinist and guitarist, played with several bands during his lige and entertained many groups with his music at the nursing home, family gatherings, and in his church ministry. He played his harmonica for a crowd of attendees at his and Jean's combined 90th birthday party at the nursing home 2 years ago.
During his retirement years, he became an ordained Baptist minister and did missionary work in the remote areas around his home in Arizona, with his wife Jean. In addition to ministry work, he would play hymns on his harmonica while Jean led the singing. He loved the Lord and cherished the opportunity to share the word of Christ with others, with Jean always by his side.
Richard and his first wife, Rachael, had five children: Lavonne Johnson(deceased), Marcia Lee of Fort Collins, Colorado, Brad Johnson of Boise, ID, Trudy Royer of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Bryan Johnson (also deceased. In addition to his children, Richard is survived by seven grandchildren, Five great-grandchildren, five stepchildren, Kay Nuzum and Frank Wagoner of Casper, Lynn Dampman of Glenrock, Jim Wagoner of Laramie, and Peggy Baca of Bellingham, WA, eight step-grandchildren, seven step-great grandchildren and one step-great-great grandchild. His parents, one brother Clayton Johnson, o one sister Altamae Cronkite, oldest daughter Lavonne and his youngest son Bryan preceded him in death.
A viewing will be held at Newcomer's on Wednesday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Pastor Rob Peterson of First Southern Baptist Church will officiate the memorial service at the church (220 S. Pennsylvania) on Thursday at 10:00 a.m. At Richard's wishes, cremation will take place following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Wyoming Dementia Care (cottage-style living, Mary Heines at 265-2494 can provide any desired information), or the charity of your choice.