JOHNSON, Richard Lee

The Camp Verde Bugle, Camp Verde, Arizona Saturday, September 27, 2008 Arizona native Richard Lee Johnson was born Nov. 2, 1929, to William Joseph and Kate (Rhodes) Johnson in Phoenix. In 1946, he falsified his age and enlisted in the Marines for a three-year tour of duty. Due to military cutbacks in 1949, he was not able to re-enlist and he joined his older brother working in the mine in Morenci. In 1950, he was able to enlist in the Air Force and when the Korean conflict began the marines were unable to get him back. His 17 years of decorated service with the Air Force included tours in Korea, Saudi Arabia and Vietnam. After retiring from military service in 1967, Richard served briefly as a police officer here in Globe, but hearing damage made it impossible to continue. He obtained his electrician's license and worked for various electrical contractors before starting his own business in the Verde Valley. Richard is survived by his wife of 24 years, Edwina; his children and their spouses Rick Johnson, Margaret Rogers (Walt), James Langley (Heather), Tony Lum (Kim), Carol Williams (Brad) and Billy Lum (Beth). He is survived by 18 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.