Richard John Johns was born on October 25, 1943, in Oakland, California, to Jack and Beulah Johns. When Dick was just two years old, his family—his mom, dad, and sister—moved to Bakersfield to be closer to extended family. His dad became a general contractor and built their home on Richmond Street, where Dick grew up. Dick attended East Bakersfield High School and graduated in 1961. After graduation, he joined the Air Force. Following basic training, he was assigned to Little Rock Air Force Base in Arkansas, where he spent four years learning to work on a variety of aircraft, including jet engines. While serving, he also took classes at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. When Dick first enlisted, there was a “buddy program” at the recruiting station. That’s where he met Earle Pearce. They signed up together, beginning a lifelong friendship. After the Air Force, Dick returned to Bakersfield, attended Bakersfield City College, and worked at Santa Fe Railroad, Foster Freeze, and as an airline ticket agent.

It was during this busy season of work and school that his friend Earle and Earle’s wife, Lynn, set him up on a blind date. After a whirlwind courtship, Dick married Inga.

In 1968, they moved to Fresno where Dick continued working and completed his degree at Fresno State University in criminology and psychology. In 1970, he joined Environment Control, eventually growing it into one of the largest building maintenance companies in Fresno. Dick retired in 2018 after nearly 50 years of leadership. In 1972, Dick and Inga committed their lives to Jesus Christ, leading to decades of ministry and service. They raised their family with the motto, “The family that plays together stays together,”

enjoying travel, lakes, and time together. In his final years, Dick found joy in his home, his yard, his cats, and especially his family. Dick lived a life of faith, integrity, and love. While we grieve, we also have peace knowing he is with his Savior. And because of that, this is not goodbye—it is simply, “until we meet again.”

Dick is survived by his wife Inga of 59 years, his four children and their spouses; 18 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Dick leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, and devotion that will live on in each of us. And for those of us who knew and loved him, we will carry a part of him with us always.