RICHARD A. JOHNSON

March 9, 1917 - Feb. 24, 2007
SOUTH BEND - Richard A. Johnson, 89, of South Bend, Ind., died following an illness at 6:05 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, in Your Home Assisted Living. Mr. Johnson was born March 9, 1917, in Richmond, Ind., to the late Oscar and Lucy (Smith) Johnson, and had lived in South Bend since 1959. On Aug. 22, 1959, in Chicago, he married Marion E. Larson, who preceded him in death. He is survived by his three sons, Lars R. Johnson of South Bend, Eric A. (Diana) Johnson of Hamilton, Ohio, and Kent C. Johnson of South Bend, Ind.; a sister, Eleanor Antrobus of Huntington, Ind., two grandchildren, Olivia and Elena Johnson of Hamilton; and two nephews, John (Sharon) Engstrom of South Bend, and Carl (Kay) Wells of McHenry, Ill.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Marion Engstrom, and his cousin, Frank Nevins of Dowagiac, Mich.

Richard grew up in South Bend and graduated from Central High School. He earned a degree from Wittenberg University, in Springfield, Ohio. He was active in sports including pole vaulting and boxing.

He served in the United States Army during World War II, where he was stationed overseas in Ghent, Belgium. He established a sales territory in the South Bend area for the Sherwin Williams Paint Co. Richard was hard working and devoted to meeting the needs of his customers for twenty-two years, until his retirement in 1979. He was a member of Clay United Methodist Church, South Bend. Faith was very important to Richard; he read daily from the Bible for over fifty years. Among his hobbies were keeping up with current events in the daily newspaper, and music. He had studied the violin as an adult, and loved performers such as Stephane Grappelli. He also enjoyed attending travelogues and family get-togethers at the DANK Restaurant. Richard was a man of great integrity and strength, who loved his wife and family dearly, and led by example. He will be greatly missed. A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

Cremation will take place at Michiana Crematory, with burial to follow at a later date in St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park. There will be no visitation. Memorial contributions may be made to The Center for Hospice and Palliative Care, or to the charity of the donor's choice. The family gratefully acknowledges the loving care provided for Richard by the Hospice and Your Home staff. These dedicated people gave Richard ease and comfort during his final illness. The Welsheimer Funeral Home North, 17033 Cleveland Road, handled arrangements.

Published by South Bend Tribune on Feb. 26, 2007.

02/03/2023 EJS