Richard Nicholas Johnson

Richard Nicholas Johnson, 87, of Fort Wayne, Ind., passed away at 5:56 a.m. Saturday, December 26, 2015 at Hanson Hospice Center, Stevensville, Mich.As he passed, his daughter remained at his side, holding his hand. Born July 14, 1928 in Fort Wayne, he was the son of Walter M. Johnson and Theresa E. (Nix) Johnson.

He graduated from Central Catholic High School with the Class of 1946. Richard was married to Dorothy E. Fletter on December 31, 1949 at St. Patricks Catholic Parish in Fort Wayne. From 1951 until 1953, he served in the U.S. Marines. He had worked at ITT in Fort Wayne as a model maker on a team led by Philo Farnsworth.Following that he had a defense/research career with Magnavox as a model maker, retiring in 1990. After the death of his first wife, Richard married Evelyn D. Wichern-Shuff on July 28, 1972 in Fort Wayne. He is a member of the American Legion Post #82 and St. Patricks Catholic Church, Arcola. He had lived in the same home that he built since the 1950s until 2011 when he moved to Michigan, where his daughter lives.

Survivors include sons, Michael R. (Lori) Johnson and Mark C. (Cindy) Johnson, both of Fort Wayne; daughter, Melinda M. (Timothy) Dunaj of St. Joseph, Mich.; step-sons, James E. (Mary) Shuff of Fort Wayne, Randall E. (Linda) Shuff of Garrett and Wesley S. Shuff of Auburn; grandchildren, Jason Johnson, Robin Johnson-Lavigne, Kyle Johnson, Courtney Johnson, Joshua Dunaj, Erin Johnson, Matthew Dunaj, Tyler Johnson and Mikhayla Dunaj; seven great-grandchildren; and several step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by parents; first wife, Dorothy Johnson; second wife, Evelyn Johnson; andbrothers, Lawrence and James Johnson.

Visitation will be 2 to 3:45 and 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, December 30, 2015 at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City with a Rosary at 3:45 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will take place 10:30 a.m. Thursday at St. Patricks Catholic Church, 12305 Arcola Rd, Fort Wayne with visitation one hour prior. Father Tad Balinda will officiate and burial to follow at St. Patricks Catholic Cemetery. Memorial gifts may be given in Mr. Johnsons memory to Masses to Church, American Cancer Society or the Wounded Warrior Project. Visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.