Richard Duane Johnson, Sr. 78 of Riverton, died suddenly Monday, August 8, 2022 at Freeman Hospital ER.
Born October 1, 1943 in Fort Dodge, Iowa, Richard was the son of Ralph and Viola. They preceded him in death.
Richard served in the United States Army retiring after 26 years. He spent time in the States, Germany, Alaska, and Vietnam . After his retirement from the military, Richard worked at the former St. John’s Hospital in the Bio-Med department from 1990-2004. After retirement served on the rural water board and the Riverton Community Board. He was known to be a great handy man. He enjoyed the challenges of fixing or repairing everything and he was always successful. He would be there at the drop of a hat to help anyone in need. He spent countless hours helping and serving at the Joplin First Church of the Nazarene, where he was a member. In his free time, he liked to go fishing, picking up walnuts and pecans and spending time with his family.
Richard was united in marriage to Janie Mae Saunders September 8, 1973. She preceded him in death on June 17, 2003. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Don Johnson, Dean Johnson and Jerry Johnson.
Richard was later united in marriage to Helen Grace (Burrows) Schachtner October 22, 2004 in Galena.. She survives
In addition to his wife, Helen, Richard is survived by four sons, Rod Schachtner of Riverton, Raymond Schachtner (wife Sandy) of Columbia, Missouri, Robert Schachtner (wife Linda) of Neosho, Missouri and Richard Duane Johnson, Jr. of Shreveport, Louisiana; three daughters, Debra G. Kitch (husband Tommy) of Carl Junction, Missouri, Sharon Schachtner of Joplin, Missouri, and Roberta Williams (husband Merle) of St. Augustine, Florida. Three brothers, Carl Johnson (wife Betty) and Danny Johnson both of Illinois and Bill Johnson (Karen) of Iowa; and sister, Diana Wuatnou (husband Rodney) of Minnesota; twenty grandchildren, twenty one great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren; along with many nieces and nephews also survive.
Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, August 12, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, in Galena. Father Jeremy Huser will officiate. Burial with military honors will follow in the Mt. Hope Cemetery, in Webb City, Missouri.
Memorial donations may be made to First Church of the Nazarene Joplin, 2124 Utica St. Joplin, Mo. 64801. Online condolences may be expressed at www.derfeltfuneralhomes. com.