Richard Johnson

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Richard Duane Johnson, Sr. 78 of Riverton, KS passed from this life suddenly on Monday, August 8, 2022 at Freeman Hospital ER.

Richard was born October 1, 1943 in Fort Dodge, Iowa to the union of Ralph and Viola. 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) Johnson on September 8, 1973. She preceded him in death on June 17, 2003. He is also preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Don Johnson, Dean Johnson, and Jerry Johnson.

Richard was later united in marriage to Helen Grace (Burrows) Schachtner Johnson on October 22, 2004 in Galena, KS. 

He is survived by his wife. Additional survivors are his four sons, Richard Duane Johnson, Jr. of Shreveport, Louisiana, Rod Schachtner of Riverton, Kansas, Raymond Schachtner and wife Sandy of Columbia, Missouri, Robert Schachtner and wife Linda of Neosho, Missouri; three daughters, Debra G. Kitch and husband Tommy of Carl Junction, Missouri, Sharon Schachtner of Joplin, Missouri, and Roberta Williams and husband Merle of St. Augustine, Florida; three brothers, Carl Johnson and wife Betty of Illinois, Danny Johnson of Illinois, and Bill Johnson and Karen of Iowa; sister, Diana Wuatnou and husband Rodney of Minnesota; twenty grandchildren, twenty one great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren; along with many nieces and nephews.

Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, August 12, 2022 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Galena, KS. Father Jeremy Huser will officiate. Burial with military honors will follow in the Mt. Hope Cemetery, Webb City, Missouri. Family will receive friends Thursday, August 11, 2022 from 6:00-7:00 p.m., at Derfelt Funeral Home, Galena, KS. 

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.