Obituary of Richard Russell Johnson

Richard Russell Johnson passed peacefully into the arms of his Savior Tuesday, January 12, 2021 at Hawthorn Court at Ahwatukee after a long battle with cancer. Richard was born July 16, 1933 to Russell and Doris Johnson in Des Moines, Iowa. He graduated from North High School, where he met his wife, Ilene Overton. They were married in October 1953 and were blessed with 5 children. He worked in the neon sign industry as a tube bender and electrician. He and Ilene relocated to Arizona, where he pursued creating neon art until he retired. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He enjoyed working in his yard, playing pool, hiking South Mountain Park, and outdoor activities. He was a faithful member of the Arizona Community Church with strong Christian beliefs, who lived out his faith daily, and shared it with family, friends and all he met. Richard is survived by his wife of 67 years, Ilene, his sons Glen (Linda), Bruce, Todd, Troy, daughter Kristy (Tom) Olson; granchildren, Derek Johnson, Scott Johnson, Andrea (Ben) Guess, Zach (Patricia) Johnson; great-grandchild, Brock Wakefield; sister, Sheila (Larry) Cheevers. He was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Doris Johnson; sisters, Jeanine Vernon and Linda Myers. The family would like to thank the staff at Hawthorn Court at Ahwatukee for their loving care of Richard during the time he was a resident there. A graveside service to remember Richard will be held at Highland Memory Gardens in Des Moines, Iowa at a later date. -- Where did you see God today?