Richard O. Johnson

Richard Owen Johnson, 72, Tavares, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Sunday, March 6th, 2011 with family and friends by his side. Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Richard graduated from Hughes High School, Cincinnati, chose Valparaiso Technical Institute, Valparaiso, IN for his higher education. Upon completion of studies, he was hired by Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM. His career as an Electrical Engineer spanned 37 years including continuing education at the University of New Mexico. Sandia Lab is a participant in the national research laboratories that contribute to the protection and preservation of our national security. During Richard’s early life at Bosque Farms, of Albuquerque, NM, he served as a volunteer fireman and deputy sheriff. As Richard neared retirement, plans were made to move to Central Florida, and in 1994, they settled in the Fox Run Retirement Community in Tavares. This community continues to be their heart home. Richard served in several leadership roles and became an officer in the CERT organization at Fox Run. He is a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Eustis, although physically unable to attend in recent years. The most favorite part of retirement had been cruising our beautiful world, fishing and boating on the lakes of Lake County. Most recently attended his 50th High School reunion, accompanied by his wife & son. God provided the couple with love and joy in His way. Cornerstone Hospice attended to Richard with compassionate and loving care. Richard is survived by his loving wife, June, who were married September, 1976. They shared the love and care of three children, with Richard’s former wife, Carol Pegram currently of Ft. Myers, FL. The children were raised fully accepting the new family. Also surviving are his daughter, Allison Spak and beloved grandchildren Zoltan and Maggie Spak of Yankton, SD; son, Clayton Johnson of Ft. Myers, FL; sister, Carole (David) Finefrock, Avon Lake, OH; nephew, John Finefrock, Fishers, IN; nieces, Melinda (Alex) Slattery, Atlanta, GA; nieces, Michelle (Michael) Missig and their children, Camryn and Adelyn, Powell, OH, Diana Finefrock, Lewis Center, OH; 2 sister-in-laws, Jo Ann (William) Carugno and nephews, Allen & Michael, Glendale, AZ, Kay (Wally) Sedden, Albuquerque, NM. He is also survived by his aunt, Joyce Churchwell, San Angelo, TX; cousins, Sherry Hicks, Donna Colley, Sandy Moore, all of San Angelo, TX. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Mary Johnson, Cincinnati, Ohio; daughter, Margaret Dunn and grandson, Patrick Dunn both of Albuquerque, NM. A celebration of life service will be held at Harden/Pauli Funeral Home, Eustis on Wednesday, March 9, 2011 at 11:00 AM with a Luncheon following. The service will be officiated by Rev. Rick Pughe and Dr. Skip Haymans. Music will be provided by Rev. Pedro Linares and Small Group Choir Members of First Baptist Church, Eustis. Private interment will be at Tavares Cemetery, Tavares. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the Cornerstone Hospice or the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation as you prayerfully remember those affected with this disease. Arrangements by Harden/Pauli Funeral Home, Eustis