Richard William Johnson

Richard William Johnson, 95, passed away on April 5, 2026, in Muskegon, Michigan. He was born on July 7, 1930, in Bowne Center, Michigan, to James Lawerence (Bob) and Rosetta Johnson, joining his older brother Paul.

Dick attended a one-room school through the 8th grade. His mom skipped out for good during his eighth-grade year. He didn't see her again for more than 40 years. But his dad, grandparents, aunts and uncles, and one very special teacher (Mrs. Headworth) made sure he was well-loved and cared for.

Dick graduated from Caledonia High School in 1949. As a young man, he served as the best man at his father's marriage to Dorothy Limbaugh. He felt fortunate to also gain a sister, Sherry, through that union.

He served in the United States Marine Corp from 1951-53. Following his honorable discharge from the Marines, Dick went to work for the Kent County Road Commission, retiring in 1988.

Dick tried his hand at marriage a few times before meeting the love of his life, Sally Hoover, whom he married in 1966 and who was at his side until the very last. Together they had two children, Jill (John Tewsley) and Marc (Christy DeHoog), and four grandchildren Maxine, Alden, Zella and Gus.

During his early retirement years, Dick ran a baseball card business, MR. J's, with his son Marc which helped to fund his own sizeable baseball card collection. He also traveled to nearly 30 major league parks.

A lifelong fan of the Detroit Tigers, Dick was also a talented ball player. He once threw a no-hitter, and on another occasion, he struck out 17 batters in a seven-inning game. Dick was offered a scholarship to play baseball at Central Michigan University, which he declined due to a misunderstanding, choosing instead to enter the workforce.

Even into his fifties, Dick participated in organized sports, including baseball, and both slow and fastpitch softball. In 2008, he was inducted into the Freeport Fast Pitch Softball Hall of Fame. Additionally, he coached several teams alongside his friend Dick Bancroft, leading the undefeated Alto Blackbirds in the early 1970s, who had finished the prior season 0-7. A ball signed by all the Blackbirds has been on display in his home ever since. While he took pride in their winning season, he emphasized good sportsmanship above all else, instilling this value in all his players.

Dick enjoyed playing golf until a particularly challenging round in his seventies prompted him to retire his clubs for good. Before that, he frequently played with friends Howard Hobbs, George Anderson, Doc Reagan, and Mark Verekois. He was playing a round of golf with Doc at Tyler Creek late in 1997, at the age of 67, when he shot a hole-in-one.

A lover of music, as a kid, Dick and his brother performed at church and school events, and for family members. He learned to play guitar in adulthood and enjoyed playing and singing along with his kids. A fan of traditional country music, Dick particularly loved Emmylou Harris and Tom T. Hall, but also had an affinity for ABBA and Lady GaGa.

Dick was a charter member of the Alto Lions Club, serving as its first president. He remained a member for fifty years. In 2000, he was recognized by Lions Club International with the Melvin Jones Award, honoring individuals who demonstrate exemplary humanitarian service.

Dick was dedicated to documenting his family's genealogy and local history. He was exceptionally well-read, enjoyed watching movies, and had the fortune of seeing legendary players such as Joe DiMaggio, Hank Greenberg, Charlie Gehringer, Yogi Berra, Al Kaline, Hal Newhouser, Phil Rizzuto, Mickey Mantle, Kirby Puckett, Cal Ripken, Jr., Reggie Jackson, Mark "The Bird" Fidrych, and his all-time favorite, Rudy York play live.

Dick and Sally made their home in Alto, MI, where they spent nearly 60 years together before relocating to the Muskegon area to be nearer to their son, who assisted in their care

Dick was preceded in death by his father James (Bob) and stepmother Dorothy, brother Paul Johnson, nephew Dan Johnson, mother-in-law Maxine Hoover, sister-in-law Jane Watters, and grandparents Henry & Edna Johnson and Harry & Luella Boughner, along with many cherished aunts and uncles. He is survived by his wife Sally, children Jill (John) Tewsley and Marc (Christy) Johnson, grandchildren Maxine and Alden Tewsley, and Zella and Gus Johnson, his sister Sherry (Steve) Karrar, sisters-in-law Jill (Roger) Bowen, Mary (John Sawka), and Jean Johnson, as well as several special nieces and nephews, including Jake Murray (who is and has always been a good boy), and the much-beloved Rudy.

Following cremation, Dick will be laid to rest at Bowne Center Cemetery. A memorial celebration will be held later this spring.

Donations in his memory may be made to the Alto Lions Club or Bowne Township Historical Commission.