Dr. Richard A Johnson passed away unexpectedly at his home in Spanish Fork, Utah, on August 13, 2020.

Richard was born September 9, 1943, to Ronald Arnie Johnson and Loa C. McKell Johnson. He was educated in Spanish Fork schools and graduated from Spanish Fork High School in 1961. He attended University of Utah, 1961-62. He also attended Brigham Young University, 1962-65. He graduated from Loyola University Dental School, Chicago, Illinois, in 1969, where he was Student Body President his senior year, and Gold Medallion winner for his graduating class.

He joined the U.S Army Dental Corps in July of 1969, and took a one-year dental internship at Brooke Army General Hospital, Fort Sam Houston, Texas. Next, he was assigned to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and later transferred to the Republic of Vietnam for a brief tour. He completed his military obligation at Tooele Army Depot in 1972. He recommissioned in the Army Reserve in 1983, and was assigned to the 143 ^rd Medical Detachment at Fort Douglas, Utah. He retired in 2003, with the rank of Lt. Colonel.

Richard purchased the dental practice of Dr. Lars Peterson in 1972 and maintained a private dental practice in Spanish Fork until 1991. In 1991, Richard accepted a position with the Utah Department of Corrections as Dental Director for the Department of Corrections, retiring in 2003. Richard also served as the Dental Director at the Utah County Jail on a part- time basis.

Richard married the former Nancy Raskie of Phillips, Wisconsin, in 1968 (later divorced) and they raised four children. He married Anna Lee Watts Taylor on April 9, 1992. Richard and Anna Lee enjoyed 28 wonderful years of marriage, until his passing.

Richard was very civic minded and loved serving his community and fellow citizens. He served as Director of the Jaycees, President of the Rotary Club, President of the Diamond Fork Riding Club, as well as Manager of the Utah State Junior Livestock Show. He also loved coaching his sons in Little League baseball and football. Richard served three terms on the Nebo School District Board of Education, as well as one term as a Utah County Commissioner. His final service was that as Commander of American Legion Post 68. Richard and Anna Lee served as Grand Marshalls of the Spanish Fork Fiesta Days in 2019.

Richard was an active member in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings. He and Anna Lee faithfully served as missionaries in Guatemala, where he was able to provide dental care to many individuals. Richard had a great testimony of the Gospel and a deep faith in God and eternal families.

Richard loved spending time with Anna Lee golfing, four wheeling, camping, horse riding and driving the “red jeep” around town. You very seldom saw one without the other. Vacationing was one of his favorite pastimes and he and Anna Lee enjoyed traveling with their very close-knit group of friends.

Richard supported his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren in any of their endeavors.  He was present at every stock show, ballgame, dance recital, band recital, and graduation events. Richard loved making memories with family, friends, and loved ones.

Richard is survived by his loving wife, Anna Lee, and their six children: Angela Olsen (Matt), Spanish Fork, Utah; Jared Taylor, Dickinson, North Dakota; Matt Johnson (Christine), Spanish Fork, Utah; Renerah Merett (Dustin), Moab, Utah; Jared Johnson, Spotslyvania, Virginia; Danielle Baker (Phil) Tampa, Florida; 12 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Janice Hayhurst (Ed), Haines, Oregon.  He was proceeded in death by his parents; and his in-laws, Don and Vera Watts, formerly of Springville, Utah; a brother-in-law, Richard Watts, formerly of Alpine, Utah; and a sister-in-law, Anna Joy Watts, formerly of Bountiful, Utah.

A viewing will be held on Monday, August 17, 2020, from 6-8 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home, 187 South Main Street, Spanish Fork, Utah. Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, August 18, 2020, at 10 a.m. at the Spanish Fork City Cemetery, with Military Honors accorded. Please bring a chair and an umbrella. It’s going to be hot!