Richard "Rick" Lee Johnson, Jr.

Richard “Rick” Lee Johnson, Jr., 63, of Kansas City, KS, formerly of Lynn Center, died Friday, February 26, 2021, at the residence of a family member surrounded by family after a brief battle with cancer.

Cremation rites will be accorded, and public visitation will be from 9:30-11 a.m., Friday, March 5, 2021, at Esterdahl Mortuary & Crematory, Ltd., Orion.  Private family services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday and will be live streamed on his obituary page at esterdahl.com.  Private inurnment will be held at the National Cemetery, Rock Island.  Face masks and social distancing will be observed and casual dress is requested.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family to utilize as a gift to be donated to a non-profit veteran’s counseling and recovery organization.

Rick was born on October 4, 1957, in Florida.  He attended Orion High School prior to joining the United States Navy.  Rick was an amazing artist, culinary expert and counselor.  He really enjoyed mother nature and the outdoors.  Camping, fishing and taking pictures of nature was one of his many artistic passions.  Rick’s biggest passion was helping people.  He was sober for over 32 years; mentor and friend to many.  He was a highly respected counselor at the VA hospital specializing in addictions, PTSD, and other traumatic experiences, retiring in the fall of 2019.

Survivors include his mom, Margaret Johnson, Lynn Center; brother, Bob Johnson; sisters, Sandy (Jeff) McCready, Woodhull, Lisa (Tom Taets), Coal Valley, and Barb Anthony, Heyworth, IL; nieces and nephews, Malorie (Dan) Higgins, Marysa McCready, Tyler (Michelle) Johnson, Beth (Russ) McDowell, Aaron (Mary) Anthony, and Andy (Sherry) Anthony; many great nieces and nephews and one great great niece.  Additional family members include Ann Rider, Scottie Ariazand, and Warren Hill.

He was preceded in death by his father, Richard Lee Johnson, Sr.

Memories may be shared on the tribute wall.