Richard Boyd Johnson, 76, passed away peacefully at home in Payson, Utah, on April 2, 2025. He is survived by his devoted wife, Sonsierae; their children, Rick (Rebecca), Steve, Lorel (Todd), John (Pam), Katie (Mike), Stan (Laura), Matt (Renee), and Mandy (Danny); thirty-two grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Richard was born on July 6, 1948, in Heber City, Utah, to John Lamar and Reba Turnbow Johnson. Richard spent his early years in Orem, Utah, where he graduated from high school in 1966. He briefly attended Weber State University before answering the call to serve his country.
In 1967, Richard enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he was stationed at Lowry Air Force Base in Colorado, later to also serve from the Peshawar Air Station in Pakistan, McClellan Air Force Base in California, and Yokota, Japan. A proud veteran of the Vietnam War, he earned the National Defense Service Award and the Air Force Commendation Medal, adorned with multiple oak leaf clusters denoting additional honors. After more than a decade of honorable service, he was discharged in April 1978.
On January 23, 1970, Richard married his love, Sonsierae DeMille, for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake City Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Together, they built a beautiful life centered on faith and family, raising eight children.
Richard’s professional journey took him through various fields, but his training in electronics and chemistry, gained during his time in the Air Force, remained invaluable throughout his career. He was a man of many talents, with a natural gift for building, woodworking, and remodeling. He found joy in reading and marksmanship, always eager to expand his knowledge and refine his skills.
A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Richard served faithfully in many capacities, including as a temple worker in both the Atlanta, Georgia, and Payson, Utah temples. One of his greatest joys was serving alongside his beloved wife in the Payson Temple.
Richard faced many health challenges with unwavering strength, including multiple heart attacks, a heart transplant in 2002, blood clots, and cancer. Despite these trials, he remained a humble and kind-hearted man, cherishing every moment with his loved ones. He often joked about his “big heart(s),” a reflection of both his physical journey and his immense love for his family.
Above all, Richard was a man of faith, integrity, and quiet strength. He loved his Savior and found peace in the knowledge that he would one day return home.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 7, 2025, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 902 West 400 North, Payson, Utah. Interment with military honors will follow at 12:30 p.m. at Payson City Cemetery, 400 North 800 East, Payson, Utah.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the LDS Humanitarian Fund in Richard’s honor.
3 Condolences for Richard Boyd Johnson
Condolences(3)
Tom Augustus says
April 7, 2025 at 3:56 pmThanks for sharing such a nice man with us. I worked with him at the temple and walked to our cars for what must have been his last shift. He was always nice, quiet, and willing to serve in any way he could.
Jack Tobler says
April 7, 2025 at 5:00 pmWe are so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. He was a giant of a man with a soft assurance which comes from knowing who he is and what he’s accomplished. He came to this earth and with God, quietly did what he came to do. You should be so proud of him and his wonderful wife and how they raised their family.
Know that we love you all and cry with you today. But as you know this is but a small moment and you , with him , be together again.
Matt Arnold says
April 7, 2025 at 6:00 pmI am so sorry for your loss Soni and family. I will miss Richard too, just remember he is now in a far better place than we are, this life is temporary but being with Jesus is eternal, Thank you Richard for doing so much me. Richard will be dearly missed.