Richard ‘Dynamite’ Johnson
In the early morning hours on Dec. 10, 2022, Richard “Dynamite” Johnson fell asleep in Jesus. His wife, Linda, and daughter, Mandy, were by his side at his home in Olmsted when he took his final breath.
Cancer took his body but his spirit remained unmarked and is now with his Lord…and many others he had to see pass on through the years. One of whom was his sister, Marilyn Johnson, when they were children. He still missed and grieved for her after 70 years. His mother, Kathryn Johnson, and father, Orville Johnson, also preceded him in death. These four are together again…what a wonderful thing.
For someone who liked to tease folks the way he did, Richard had heaps of friends, young and old. His favorite friend was Ben, his dog. They were best friends for nearly 15 years. You rarely saw one of them without the other. Ben never left Richard’s side and is missing him, along with the rest of his family and friends.
In 1995, Richard started his life with Linda. She loved him…even when she didn’t like him, she loved him. She made a promise to stay by his side and take care of him, and she made good on that promise. This gave him comfort and each day, he thanked her for being there and caring for him. Richard loved her, as well, and worked very hard to give her the best life that he could.
Linda’s four children also became Richard’s children. He has four sons and two daughters. Richard “Stinker” Johnson of Ullin is his oldest son. His first daughter, Angela Smith, lives in Lick Creek. Matthew and Brandon Burton both reside in Tamms. David “Bubby” Burton lives in Olmsted. And his last daughter, Mandy Burton Johnson, lives in Cape Girardeau.
Richard greatly loved all of his children and frequently called them to ensure they were safe and well and wasn’t in need of anything that he could help provide. He truly was a wonderful father and grandfather.
Richard and Linda have a dear friend who should be recognized for her devotion to them during this difficult time. Randy Adams of Elco was Richard’s “Sis” in Christ for many years and helped make the last few months of his life much more pleasant. She went above and beyond with her time and energy for them and everyone should know what a beautiful lady she is.
Richard got a lot of joy from simply spending time with his family and friends, but he also had some hobbies that should be mentioned. If you knew him, you knew his love for fishing. Looking through photos taken throughout his life, anyone can see the enjoyment he got from fishing for catfish at the river.
And when he wasn’t fishing (or working), he was playing music. His love for music came from his dad…and they were very talented musicians. He was musically gifted and he used this gift to glorify God.
What he talked about most over the last few weeks was his love for his Savior and his love for his family. He wanted to see his children and grandchildren as often as he could and wanted to tell anyone who would listen about Jesus, the grace of God, and how important forgiveness is.
Funeral services were at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 14, at Jones Funeral Home in Villa Ridge. The Rev. Buddy Walls officiated. Interment followed in Rose Hill Cemetery in Thebes.
To sign the online guestbook, visit www.jones-funeral.com.
Jones Funeral Home Villa Ridge was in charge of arrangements.