Richard Louis Johnson, Dds

Richard Louis Johnson, DDS, a dedicated oral and maxillofacial surgeon and respected community member, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on July 27th, 2024.

Born on July 13, 1942, in Galveston, TX, Richard "RL" grew up in Edmond, Ok, where his grandparents were pioneer farmers. In high school, he was involved in band, football, and wrestling, and during this time his family moved to Elmore City where he spent 2 years, then returning to Edmond and ultimately graduated from Edmond High School. He went on to attend Central State College in Edmond, Ok on a music scholarship. He then pursued a career in dentistry at Baylor College of Dentistry, graduating in 1968, having achieved membership in the honorary Dental scholastic society Omicron Kappa Upsilon. Richard married the love of his life, Sondra Lea London, in 1964. They had two children, Damon L. Johnson, DDS, a general dentist in Yukon, and Nicole Kaler, a Realtor in Oklahoma City.

In 1976, Richard completed his residency in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at William Beaumont Army Medical Center in El Paso, TX. He then transitioned to private practice, serving communities in Bethany, Yukon, and Chickasha, Oklahoma, from 1979 until his passing. Additionally, he was a part-time faculty member at the OUHSC College of Dentistry, where he volunteered his expertise for over four decades. He enjoyed donating his time locally, as well as volunteering on dental mission trips in Central and South America.

Richard's career was marked by his commitment to both his country and his profession. He served in the US Army from 1961 to 2002, with periods of active duty and reserve service, retiring as a Colonel in the US Army Dental Corps. During Vietnam, he served in the 249th General Hospital in Japan, caring for many of those injured in Vietnam. His military career included posts in Georgia, Texas and Oklahoma. In 1991 he left his practice for a year to serve on active duty in Operation Desert Storm in Saudi Arabia. He ended his career as the commander of the Active Army Reserve 337th Medical Company (Dental Service).

Richard is preceded in death by his parents, William "Bill" Johnson and Blanche Marie (Martin) Johnson. Richard is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Sondra; their children, Damon Johnson, Nicole Kaler, her husband Scotty and bonus daughter Suri Xia of Boston, MA; and three grandchildren, Bryce & Bree Johnson of Edmond and Ryland Kaler of Mustang. He also leaves a sister Diane Teeters and her husband Connie, from Crosby TX, brother-in-law Don Hayes of OKC and sister in-law Ginger Bohlar and her husband Terrill of Brooklyn, OH. Also nieces Terra, Chanel, Chloe, Christalle and nephew Aaron. In addition to many other family members.

He found great pleasure in waterfowl hunting, working with his Labrador retrievers, attending his grandchildren's events, and working in his dental practice. He also enjoyed watching OU football and OU women's softball, and going to reunions with lifelong friends from Edmond and Elmore City. Over the years he spent countless hours traveling all over the state and country going to and working at many wrestling and gymnastics competitions. Many weeknights and weekends were spent in gymnasiums throughout the state and country. During the 80's and 90's he became a nationally and internationally recognized pairing official. Receiving pairing certifications through USA wrestling, USWF and FILA (international governing body for wrestling). Known as "RL" or "Doc", he made many lifelong friends and developed many meaningful relationships during this time.

Richard's legacy is one of service, dedication, and love for his family and community. He consistently encouraged his children, grandchildren, and employees to believe in themselves, never give up, and pursue their goals by continuing their education. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A visitation for Richard will be held from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m., Thursday, August 8th at Yanda & Son Funeral Home in Yukon. A Celebration of life service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, August 9th at Grace Church- Episcopal in Yukon, OK (600 N. Mustang Rd.), with interment following at 2:00 p.m., at Ft. Sill National Military Cemetery, Elgin, OK.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Richard's memory to the Oklahoma Mission of Mercy, a two-day, free dental clinic offering treatment to patients who are uninsured, underinsured, or who would not normally have access to dental care. More information can be found at OkMOM.org.