A Celebration of Life service for Rickey Wayne Johnson, 75, Springfield, Missouri, will be held from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 10, 2024, in the Rose Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Johnson passed away at 12:39 p.m., Friday, January 5, 2024, at his home.
He was born July 21, 1948, at San Francisco, California, to Robert Harold and Elma Madge Wilson Johnson. Mr. Johnson was raised in Hocomo, Missouri, and attended West Plains High School. On May 17, 1969, he was married at Alexandria, Virginia, to Andrea Henn. Mr. Johnson was a veteran, having served with the United States Army from August 1968 until September 1970, serving in the Vietnam War. He was one of the founders of Ozarks Technical Community College and had teaching certificates in three states: Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Missouri. He was rated as one of the top ten diesel mechanics internationally. Mr. Johnson never met a stranger and would do anything for anyone. He was fully disabled as a result of Agent Orange. He loved his family and friends. According to his family, he was the world’s greatest grandpa. Mr. Johnson was a strong Christian, and was a member of Amy Union for many years.
He is survived by his wife, Andrea, of the family home; one son, Rick Harold Johnson and wife, Kathy, Springfield, Missouri; two grandchildren, Tonya Taylor and husband, Richard, Republic, Missouri, and Levi Johnson, Springfield, Missouri; three great-grandchildren, Tuck Taylor, Vivian Taylor, and Justice Taylor; two brothers, David Sloniker and wife, Sharon, West Plains, Missouri, and Terry Johnson and wife, Cindy, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and many nieces and nephews.
His parents, one son, Terry Andrew Johnson, and three sisters, Shirley Rubio, Maxine Olinger, and Marion Jean Johnson, preceded him in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to Suicide Prevention Foundation and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
