Richard (Dick) Elmer Johnson passed on to be with the Lord on Thursday, March 28, 2019. He was 73 years young. Dick was born on April 3, 1945 in St. Louis, resided most of his life in St. Charles, and retired to Table Rock Lake in Kimberling City, and most recently, of Rogersville, MO. He is survived by his wife, Millie, his three children, Kim Steele (Kevin) of Denver, CO, Kirstin Hager (Christopher) of Rogersville, MO, and Eric of St. Charles, Mo, his 5 grandchildren, Meghan, Kayleigh, and Lydia Hager, and Theodore and Thomas Steele, as well as his brother Bob Johnson (Kathy) and his niece and nephew. He is preceded in his death by both his parents, Elmer L Johnson and Alice Dickinson Johnson.
Dick is a graduate of the 1964 Class at Webster Groves High School in St. Louis County. He went on to William Jewell College in Liberty, MO, where he was a member of the Kappa Alpha Order. He graduated in the Class of 1968 with a B.A. in History with a focus on Education.
Dick spent 8 years teaching middle and high school History and Science in Valmeyer, Il. He also coached a winning 8th grade basketball team while there. He orchestrated an 8th grade field trip to the state capital where students met with state representatives and toured many historical Lincoln sights. After teaching, Dick worked for the airlines (Ozark/TWA/American) for 28 years, and continued teaching history to his kids on every family vacation.
Dick faithfully served in his church and community for his entire life hoping to lead people to Jesus through his service. He has served in youth and children’s ministries at every church he attended. He also served in the food pantry at Harvester Christian Church. Dick volunteered at the recycling center in Kimberling City as a way to meet people and invite them to his church, First Christian of Kimberling City. Most recently he was working to raise funds and gather equipment for Wilderness Camping at Maranatha Bible Camp in Everton, MO.
He was an adult leader in Boy Scout Troop 674 in St. Charles, MO, as well Troop 911 at Harvester Christian, where he started a Twelfth Point Program. As a leader, he was passionate about helping young men get their God and Country badge. He was also a Brotherhood Member of the Order of the Arrow and an Eagle Scout.
A Memorial Service for Dick will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2019 at Glendale Christian Church, 2110 S. Blackman Road, Springfield, MO 65809. Visitation will be at 10:00 AM. The service will be at 11:00 AM followed by a light meal.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Maranatha Bible Camp, 18131 Hwy WW, Everton, MO 65746.