Richard Allen Johnson, 69, resident of Valley Falls, KS passed away on March 4, 2021 after battling an infection in a new heart valve he received in October of 2020.  He died peacefully with his wife and daughters by his side at The University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, KS.

Rick was born August 11, 1951 to Leo Newell Johnson and Essie Marie (Harsh) Johnson in El Dorado, KS.  He first attended grade school in Wichita, KS.   The family moved to Topeka, KS for three years while his father Leo was completing law school. In 1962, during his 5 ^th grade year, his family moved to Council Grove, KS. He was a graduate of the Council Grove High School class of 1969.  In December of 1972, he graduated from Kansas State University with a degree in Political Science.  He later attended Washburn Law School in Topeka, KS, receiving his Juris Doctor degree in May of 1976.

Rick was the oldest of five children.  Friends throughout the years admired the love and relationship shared between the siblings, all very close in age.  During his years in Council Grove the family first lived in a home on Hockaday Street.  They then moved to a property west of Council Grove where they kept horses and could spend time outdoors.  Rick liked cutting firewood, building fires in the fireplace and competing in ping pong tournaments in the basement.   Spending time with family and friends at their Council Grove Lake cabin brought great memories as well.  Rick was attentive to his parents and grandparents.  Later in life, he was a trusted and wise leader of his family.  The stories and history of his family were of great importance to Rick and sharing them allowed him to pass them down to future generations.

At an early age, inspired by his grandfather, Rick developed a love and passion for horses that continued throughout his life.  He enjoyed riding, raising colts and was a life-long horse enthusiast.  Rick was a cowboy at heart and a "horse whisperer".  Another one of Rick's lifelong joys, developed during his teen years, was riding motorcycles.  He taught his siblings to ride them in the "Honda Pasture".  Later in life he said he found a great deal of happiness in riding horses and motorcycles.  Rick often said these things allowed him to feel like he was on a vacation with the wind blowing in his hair.  He truly loved being outside.

In 1968 Rick met a cute farm girl from Dwight, KS named Bonnie Morgan.  Her nearby Morris county high school, Dwight Rural High School, had consolidated with Council Grove High School.  Bonnie was a Junior and Rick was a Senior.  Bonnie thought he was the best-looking guy in school.  Rick was drawn to her dimples along with her demure and shy personality.  Rick's parents and siblings quickly fell in love with Bonnie and Bonnie's family felt an instant bond with Rick.  To this day Bonnie's family has deep respect for Rick and often say how much they "love that guy".  Both families could see the match of Rick and Bonnie was special.

Rick's college years at Kansas State University started the summer of 1969.  Dedicated and focused to his studies, he completed his undergraduate Political Science degree in 3.5 years.  His second year at K-State, he joined FarmHouse fraternity.  The friendships he began there were lifelong.  Rick and Bonnie enjoyed many Wildcat basketball and football games in Manhattan over the years, including recent years when they took the whole family to football games.  They also traveled to several bowl games to support their alma mater.

On August 4, 1974 Rick married Bonnie at Marion Hill Lutheran Church near Dwight, KS.  They made their first home in Topeka, KS.  Rick was completing his law degree at Washburn University and Bonnie was teaching elementary school (first in Paxico, KS and then in Silver Lake, KS).  Rick graduated and passed the Kansas Bar Exam in the summer of 1976.  He soon joined the law practice of Gordon K. Lowry in Valley Falls, KS.  Gordon and his wife Margaret were wonderful mentors.  They shared a genuine bond and lifelong friendship at Lowry & Johnson Law Office. Over the decades that followed, Rick's natural leadership skills allowed him to become a pillar of the Valley Falls community where he practiced law for 44 years.  He and Bonnie (now a retired teacher who spent 32 of her 35 teaching years with USD 338, Valley Falls) believed strongly in serving their community.

Rick and Bonnie raised their three daughters, Jenny, Amy and Jessy in Valley Falls, the community that became so dear to them.  Rick loved being the father of three girls and he was a very hands-on Dad.  He was patient with them.  He and Bonnie led the family with great integrity, faith and determination.  Rick was the quiet, wise leader they needed and a consistent calm presence.  Rick nurtured his daughters in their school years with advice and guidance on everything from school, homework and family chores to sports and activities that would help them grow and mature into adulthood.  He never missed a sporting event, concert or banquet for his daughters and enjoyed all the special moments through the years.

One of Rick's greatest joys was becoming a grandparent.  His seven grandchildren adored him and lovingly called him "Grandad."  It was clear he had spent time over the years thinking about special ways he could touch their lives and make an impact.  He introduced them to horse and motorcycle rides, gave them swing rides on his leg, did "tricks" and flips off his shoulder, taught them his favorite music, led dance parties and was always the source of entertainment.  He showed his love by playing with them and inspiring childhood mischief.  He will forever be the most fun grandparent.  Rick never missed a chance to go off the diving board, go tubing behind the boat, host the water balloon fight or race with them.  He always had a stockpile of chocolate covered graham crackers and root beer floats with more whip cream on top than humanly necessary.

Rick was eloquent with both spoken and written word.  He had the right words for every event, whether it be a carefully crafted speech, prayer or toast.  Receiving a piece of mail from Rick Johnson was a treat.  He mailed highlighted newspaper articles, quotes and handwritten messages to many family and friends.  Affixed to the envelope one would often find photos, clippings or quotes tailored specifically for the recipient. Inside the envelope you were likely to find $2 bills which became one of Rick's signatures.

Rick's Christian faith was evident because of the way he lived his life.  He was an active member and leader of St Paul's Lutheran Church and was the first to help someone in need.  He aspired to shine a light of love to his family, friends and community.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Bonnie.

His daughters; Jenny (Chad) Boisseau of Mandeville, LA; Amy (Bill) Lederer of Lenexa, KS and Jessy Miller of Lenexa, KS.

His grandchildren; Cole and Jude Boisseau; Grace, Audrey and Henry Lederer and Morgan and Lincoln Miller.

His siblings; Nancy Carr (Steve), rural Dwight, KS; Dave (Becky) Johnson, Becky (Dana) Evans and Joany (Knute) Fox all of Council Grove, KS.

His mother-in-law Doris Morgan, Dwight, KS; brother-in-law Mitch Morgan, Dwight, KS, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents Leo Johnson and Essie Skeen; his father-in-law, Keith Morgan; and brother-in-law Rodney Morgan.

A guestbook and photo memories of Rick's life will be displayed for the public at Mercer Funeral Home in Valley Falls, KS on March 10-12 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. A private family inurnment will be held at a later date at Marion Hill Lutheran Church near Dwight, KS where Rick and Bonnie were married.  Memorials may be given to St. Paul's Lutheran Church or to The Rodney K. Morgan Memorial Fund in Veterinary Medicine c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 6, Valley Falls, KS 66088.