Richard Boyd Johnson, 76, passed away peacefully at home in Payson, Utah, on April 2, 2025. He is survived by his devoted wife, Sonsierae; their children, Rick (Rebecca), Steve, Lorel (Todd), John (Pam), Katie (Mike), Stan (Laura), Matt (Renee), and Mandy (Danny); thirty-two grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Richard was born on July 6, 1948, in Heber City, Utah, to John Lamar and Reba Turnbow Johnson. Richard spent his early years in Orem, Utah, where he graduated from high school in 1966. He briefly attended Weber State University before answering the call to serve his country.

In 1967, Richard enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he was stationed at Lowry Air Force Base in Colorado, later to also serve from the Peshawar Air Station in Pakistan, McClellan Air Force Base in California, and Yokota, Japan. A proud veteran of the Vietnam War, he earned the National Defense Service Award and the Air Force Commendation Medal, adorned with multiple oak leaf clusters denoting additional honors. After more than a decade of honorable service, he was discharged in April 1978.

On January 23, 1970, Richard married his love, Sonsierae DeMille, for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake City Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Together, they built a beautiful life centered on faith and family, raising eight children.

Richard’s professional journey took him through various fields, but his training in electronics and chemistry, gained during his time in the Air Force, remained invaluable throughout his career. He was a man of many talents, with a natural gift for building, woodworking, and remodeling. He found joy in reading and marksmanship, always eager to expand his knowledge and refine his skills.

A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Richard served faithfully in many capacities, including as a temple worker in both the Atlanta, Georgia, and Payson, Utah temples. One of his greatest joys was serving alongside his beloved wife in the Payson Temple.

Richard faced many health challenges with unwavering strength, including multiple heart attacks, a heart transplant in 2002, blood clots, and cancer. Despite these trials, he remained a humble and kind-hearted man, cherishing every moment with his loved ones. He often joked about his “big heart(s),” a reflection of both his physical journey and his immense love for his family.

Above all, Richard was a man of faith, integrity, and quiet strength. He loved his Savior and found peace in the knowledge that he would one day return home.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 7, 2025 , at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 902 West 400 North, Payson, Utah . Interment with military honors will follow at 12:30 p.m. at Payson City Cemetery, 400 North 800 East, Payson, Utah .

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the LDS Humanitarian Fund in Richard’s honor.

The funeral service will be streamed live at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 7, 2025, via Zoom.