GREENWOOD
Richard L. Johnson, 91, of Greenwood, Ind. passed away on Tuesday, April 25, 2023. Born October 16, 1931 in Franklin, Indiana to the late Bernie L. and Helene (Dunham) Johnson.
He was a 1950 graduate of Lyons Township High School. In high school he joined the US Navy Reserves and earned a football scholarship to Franklin College. At Franklin College he was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and graduated in 1954. Dick then went on to serve in the US Navy as an air traffic controller.
Dick received his Master’s Degree from Indiana Central and retired from Eli Lilly in 1993 after a 38 year tenure.
He was a member of St. John’s United Church of Christ, Chi Beta Phi – Honorary Science Society, Calvin W. Prather Masonic Lodge No. 717 F &AM Indianapolis, and the Indianapolis Valley of the Scottish Rite.
Dick was active in the Marion County Mounted Horse Patrol and was a Spotter for USAC at the Indianapolis 500. He was also an Instrument and Commercial rated pilot.
Passionate about serving others, Dick served as campaign manager for Sheriff Doran Miller, and was formerly a Johnson County Sheriff Reserve Officer. One of his favorite community service activities was serving as Chairman of Johnson County United Way. As a proud veteran, he was actively involved with the American Legion Burial Team, providing military funeral honors for hundreds of veterans and was a lifetime member of the American Legion.
He is loved and missed by his daughter, Kimberly C. Brown (Jody); his son, Andrew T. Johnson (Alice Sharp), step children, Paul (Jeannie) Piepenbrok, Carla Ewell, step- daughter-in-law Kristi Piepenbrok ; his grandchildren, Leslie (Jeremy) Dunfee, Kelly (Brandi) Holmes; Lindsey (Tom) Woodard, Hayley (Scott) Pitts and Ian (Kelsey) Johnson and great grandchildren, Cooper and Emerie Dunfee, and Leland and Nora Holmes, Calvin and Catherine Woodard, Jonah and Jolie Grand, Emmitt Pitts and a great granddaughter on the way, Stella; step grandchildren, Chris Piepenbrok, Courtney Hayward, Kaitlyn McDonald, Tanner Piepenbrok, Chad Piepenbrok, Lindsey Piepenbrok, Travis Piepenbrok, step – great grandchildren: Mason, Elix, Indra, Arleigh, and Elizabeth Piepenbrok, Carter Hayward, Kendall Hayward, and Turner McDonald.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Catherine Johnson in 1995, his second wife, Rhoda Johnson in 2023, brother, David G. Johnson; step sons, Chris and Thomas Piepenbrok.
A Memorial Service will be conducted 12 pm (noon) on Saturday, May 20 at St. John’s United Church of Christ, with memorial visitation prior to the service from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm at the church. Dick will be laid to rest in the Freedom Plaza at The Gardens at Olive Branch Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Legion Post 341 PO Box 256 Cicero, Indiana. 46034.
Arrangements were entrusted to G.H. Herrmann Greenwood Funeral Home.
Please share memories, photographs and online condolences with the family at www.ghherrmann.com
