Richard Eugene “Dick” Johnston
April 23rd, 1935 - January 12th, 2026
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Dick's Obituary
Richard Eugene Johnston, age 90, of Bangor, Michigan, was born on April 23, 1935, and passed away peacefully on January 12, 2026, at his beloved family farm, surrounded by loved ones.
A lifelong member of the Bangor Church of Christ, his faith was an important part of his life. He served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict and worked for over 30 years at Bohn Aluminum in South Haven while farming his 80 acres. He spent his life deeply rooted in the Bangor community and will be fondly remembered by family and friends as a kind and helpful man.
Well known in the area for his love of fishing, Richard found joy and peace on the water and was admired for his dedication and appreciation of the outdoors. He was always willing to take someone fishing and rarely left the lake empty handed.
Richard was preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Julia Mae (Vair) Johnston, parents Vernon Eugene and Letha Mae (Merrill) Johnston; and his sisters, Joanne Derhammer and Jeanette Strasser.
He is survived by his brother Donald Johnston, daughters, Cindy (Garrick) Zuver, Laura (Tom) Cooper and Nicole Johnston. Grandchildren Emily (Ryan) Goodridge, Gavin Zuver, Richard Zuver, Jessica (Jim) Denney, Justin (Janise) Cooper, Jacob (Grace) Cooper, Annie Cooper, Jonas Johnston and 4 great grandchildren. Special thanks for the love and care shown him by his partner in crime, Bruce Thatcher, and his beloved caregiver Rita McPike Cowels.
Cremation is being handled by Starks Family Funeral Homes, Heritage Chapel, and there will be a private memorial service at a later date.
A lifelong member of the Bangor Church of Christ, his faith was an important part of his life. He served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict and worked for over 30 years at Bohn Aluminum in South Haven while farming his 80 acres. He spent his life deeply rooted in the Bangor community and will be fondly remembered by family and friends as a kind and helpful man.
Well known in the area for his love of fishing, Richard found joy and peace on the water and was admired for his dedication and appreciation of the outdoors. He was always willing to take someone fishing and rarely left the lake empty handed.
Richard was preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Julia Mae (Vair) Johnston, parents Vernon Eugene and Letha Mae (Merrill) Johnston; and his sisters, Joanne Derhammer and Jeanette Strasser.
He is survived by his brother Donald Johnston, daughters, Cindy (Garrick) Zuver, Laura (Tom) Cooper and Nicole Johnston. Grandchildren Emily (Ryan) Goodridge, Gavin Zuver, Richard Zuver, Jessica (Jim) Denney, Justin (Janise) Cooper, Jacob (Grace) Cooper, Annie Cooper, Jonas Johnston and 4 great grandchildren. Special thanks for the love and care shown him by his partner in crime, Bruce Thatcher, and his beloved caregiver Rita McPike Cowels.
Cremation is being handled by Starks Family Funeral Homes, Heritage Chapel, and there will be a private memorial service at a later date.
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