Richard Duckworth ‘Dick’ Johnson, 98, passed away June 27, 2026, surrounded by his family in Riley, Kan. He was born on July 15, 1927, in Altoona, Kan., to Ted and Martha (Duckworth) Johnson. On June 3, 1967, he married Marcia Glick in Jefferson City, Mo. She survives.
Dick was a math teacher – teaching algebra at Seaman High School in Topeka before teaching math at Harrison Junior High School in Great Bend, where he became a long-time resident. Prior to his career, Dick served the country in the United States Navy Air at the end of World War II. He enjoyed competitive shooting, taking first place for the Kansas team at two separate national’s events in the .22 divisions. Dick passed his love for the sport along to his family. He was a long-time member of the Great Bend Gun Range.
Dick was known for his one liners. He used them at the most opportune times, inserting his brilliant wit into every kind of situation.
He was a lifetime scholar and voracious reader, making notes in the margins of books so that he could return for a quick review. Often he could be seen reading an encyclopedia to answer a question he had recently been thinking about.
Dick was kind and patient. He lent an ear to anyone who needed it, listening carefully, speaking little. If he offered advice or wisdom, the receiver valued and often treasured his words.
He enjoyed being outdoors. Dick and his family spent many weekends camping at various lakes and rivers, quite often with lifetime family friends. So many beautiful memories were made playing guitar and singing around a campfire under the stars.
After he retired, Dick fed the robins in his backyard. He knew each one and could recognize if the same ones came back the following spring. He was nearly able to get a few to eat from his hand. Richard was a truly extraordinary man who was loved deeply by people and animals alike.
Survivors include his wife of 59 years; daughters, Christine D. Dickerson and husband Kevin of Riley, and Stacy L. Murphy and husband Jeff of Cape Coral, Fla,; son, Ted L. Johnson and wife Elaine of Riley; five grandchildren, Dannielle Dickerson, Dawson Dickerson, Zachary Murphy, Sydney Murphy, and Elizabeth Stewart and fiancé Justin Barnard; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter, Jordin Johnson; brothers, Gregory Johnson, David Johnson, and John Johnson; and sister, Diane Weil.
Funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Bryant Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Great Bend Cemetery with military honors presented by United States Navy Honor Guard. Visitation will take place Friday, July 10, 2026, from noon to 8 p.m., with family receiving guests from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., all at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorials have been designated to the Great Bend Pilot Club to benefit the Autism Workshop, ARC of Pennsylvania, or Ronald McDonald House of Kansas City, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.
Funeral arrangements provided by
Bryant Funeral Home
1425 Patton Road
Great Bend, KS 67530
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, July 2, 2026
