Richard Peter Johnson

Richard Peter “Dick” Johnson was born in Schenectady, NY on September 12, 1932 to Samuel Johnson and Felicia Ellis Johnson. Richard and his older brother, Kenneth, grew up strong in spite of the Great Depression which bore down hard upon the Johnson family. Moreover, Sam and Felicia were both deaf, which came with economic and social implications. When Dick was only four, his mother died from metastatic cancer. Sam, now a single father, reared his two sons independently until financial strain split-up the family. Kenneth and Richard ware placed at Children’s Village. Ken later entered the Air force, but Dick remained in Children’s Village and foster care until his aunt, Kate Griggs, and her husband, Algernon opened their hearts to care for him in their home in Troy, NY where he lived until he enlisted in the U. S. Army, 28th Infantry Regiment.

Richard received his military training at Camp Atterbury (1951). When he was on furlough in Indianapolis he met Martha Sue Stevens while roller skating. Sue would become his closest friend, trusted companion, and soul mate-the love of his life. The two corresponded throughout his tour of duty in Germany. Soon after his return to the States, Dick and Sue were married (1954). Their family grew to include four active children.

Dick was known to be an adventurer, loading the family into the car to go out for a drive on Dandy Trail, or take a break for spontaneous hike in the woods, or linger in Central Hardware dreaming about his next big project. Richard was Scout and Indian Guides Dad, and he worked tirelessly on badges with his sons. He taught his children to swim, to dive, to fish and to ice skate…he loved the out of doors in all seasons! He would pile the six of us into the car to watch a movie at the local Drive-In theatre, bringing his own grocery sack full of popcorn!

Richard’s imagination fueled nightly bed-time stories of pirates on the high seas, and cliff-hanger mysteries. At table, he would read Sam Levinson’s funny tales that came with good life lessons. Dick loved laughter, music, math, puzzles, and games of all sorts. He loved to edge us out at Gin, Hearts, Bridge, Pinochle, Scrabble, and Monopoly.

A Boilermaker, Dick graduated from Purdue University in Applied Technology, for Drafting and Mechanical Technology. While a student, he worked for Florsheim Shoes, Linkbelt, and Union Carbide. Dick loved learning, especially about how things work. He put his knowledge and skills to use, researching, planning and executing home projects.

Richard chose a career in the insurance industry as an agent for American United Life/One America. He made a host of friends among business colleagues and clients. He graduated from The American College of Life Underwriters (1977), earning the designation, CLU. He continued his education as a Financial Planner. Richard was a long-time member of Sertoma, businessmen dedicated to acts of service in the community. Richard was a success by every measure, distinguishing his business by the highest standards of service and integrity.

Richard was a life-long Episcopalian. He was baptized at St. George’s Episcopal Church, Schenectady, NY. He served as an acolyte at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Troy, NY. After he and Sue were married, he attended Trinity Episcopal Church, Indianapolis. He was a founding member of St. John’s, Speedway, attended St. Christopher’s, Carmel, and St. Philip’s, Indianapolis. Throughout his life as a baptized and confirmed adult Christian, he served the church in various leadership roles: youth director, Sunday School teacher, choir member, vestry member, finance committee chair, stewardship chair, search committee, bookkeeper, Jr Warden, Sr. Warden, and Shrove Tuesday pancake maker and griddle man.

Richard served the Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis as a lay leader in Cursillo, on Secretariat, and in the founding of the Leaders’ School. He served in a multitude of outreach and evangelism programs in the Episcopal Church and with Northview Christian Church. He belonged to a Northview Life Group, establishing close friendships with fellow members who together urge one another forward in their walk with Christ. Richard’s love for God, and God’s love for him was the ground of his life.

Richard is survived by his beloved wife, Martha Sue, his four children, Scott (Cindy), Michael (Matt), Joseph (Brenda), and Michelle (Carl), and his four grandchildren, Nicholas, Carl Peter, Haley, and Richard.

Visitation will be Aug.22nd from 3:30-8:30 p.m.at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, 720 Dr. M.L.King, Jr. St., Indianapolis, and Aug.23rd, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. followed by the Resurrection Mass at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the church. Arrangements were entrusted to Flanner and Buchanan – Carmel.