Richard “Rick” Curtis Johnson, Sr. age 65, a resident of Blackwell, Oklahoma, passed away Wednesday, March 19, 2025, in Rapid City, South Dakota. He was born April 26, 1959, in Salina, Kansas, the son of Robert Johnson and Doris Thornton Johnson.
Almost immediately after high school, Rick enlisted with the United States Navy. He faithfully served his country from 1978 to 1992.
After his service with the Navy, he became a long-haul truck driver. He frequently made trips between Oklahoma and Canada and was serving in this capacity when he became ill in South Dakota. Rick enjoyed traveling, making people laugh, and constructing model cars. Rick was a devoted fan of the Dallas Cowboys always cheering them on for each game. One might also say he was a movie connoisseur, never missing a new film. Rick was a man of faith and a longtime Baptist.
Survivors include a daughter, Christine Johnson and her fiancée, Spencer of Perry, Oklahoma and a son, Richard C. Johnson, Jr. of Ponca City, Oklahoma; a brother, Bill Johnson of Minneapolis, Kansas and two sisters, Margaret Johnson also of Minneapolis, Kansas and Sharon Johnson of Salina, Kansas. Also surviving is his fiancée, April Panama.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents.
Rev. Paul Rooks will conduct funeral services at 11:30 A. M. Tuesday, April 1st at the Grace Baptist Tabernacle, 502 S. Margrave St., Ft. Scott, Kansas. Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery where military honors will be provided by the United States Navy. Services are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.