Richard Ray Johnson

Richard (Dick) Ray Johnson passed away peacefully surrounded by his children on Sunday, January 19, 2025. Dick was born on September 19, 1938, in Great Bend, Kansas to Liela & Cedric Johnson. He was married to his beloved wife Marlys for 61 years. Dick was a devoted father to Jill (Rex) Coad, Steve (Tambra) Johnson, Erin Branting and Brooke (Steve) Blomberg as well as the loving grandfather, better known as Papa Dick, to 10 adoring grandchildren – Kendall (John) Thurlow, Parker (Taylor) Johnson, Caitlin (Andrew) Stark, Conner (Mindi) Johnson, Brie Zagoria, Karlye (Colby) Kelsey, Nickie (Andrew) Firkins, Kelly (Taylor) Blomberg, Jillian (Taylor) Wilson, Corbin (Marcus) Houghton. He was very proud to also have 15 great grandchildren – Tenley & Tatum Thurlow, Piper & Ridge Johnson, Raleigh & Malachi McMillian, Charley & Gentry Stark, Callie & Cooper Zagoria, Kennedy, Kamdyn and Karson Kelsey, Brooks Johnson and Croix Houghton. He is also survived by his sister Kay (Roger) Rankin of Hiawatha, KS in addition to his treasured dog Frisco. 

Dick attended East High School and went on to Wichita State University to continue his love of football where he was the quarterback and went on to be an assistant coach for the football team upon graduation. He moved onward for an opportunity to coach at Texas A&M before ultimately returning to Wichita State to coach there again. Shortly after that timeframe, he met Jack Cady who became his lifelong friend and mentor while working for him at Pawnee Plastics Industries. In the late 70’s Dick & Marlys moved to McPherson, Kansas to begin their own venture in the plastics industry – Plains Plastics. He felt that this was “his biggest business accomplishment.” 

His extracurricular hobbies and passions were diverse. They included many years of competitive auto racing, coaching little league football, painting in his art studio, pursuit of his love for music which included playing his guitar, harmonica, & attending the Winfield Bluegrass festival in his legendary teepee. However, the athletic man he was, he had an incredible devotion & affection for golf. This passion married perfectly for both Dick & Marlys as when they retired, they built their dream home at Flint Hills National golf club where they lived what they felt was the ideal life for the two of them. They golfed together, dined and shared friendships that culminated through club life that reaped many of their closest and lifelong friends. 

The family would like to express deep gratitude to Dr. Scott Hane for the exceptional care and support provided to Dick throughout the years. Also, a special thank you to Good Shepard Hospice for the tremendous care during his illness.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to First Tee Greater Wichita, P.O. Box 8313, Wichita, KS 67208.