Obituary of Richard Darnell Johnson

Richard Darnell Johnson went home to be with our Lord and Savior on Thursday, May 10, 2018. He was born on March 7, 1963 in Monroe, Michigan to the late Samuel Richard Johnson and Lula Dheresa (Manyfield) Simpson. After graduating from High School, Richard decided to further his education by attending college.

To support his family, Richard worked at Kroger in Monroe on South Dixie Highway. He worked for a short time for the Monroe and Hamtramck Police Department. He also worked as a Security Guard for many years at different entertainment events. He enjoyed taking care of his car; including washing and waxing it, listening to ‘old school’ music and watching his favorite wrestling shows. He was a black belt in karate. He was very serious about his cigars and wouldn’t be caught without one.

Known to everyone as “Bumdriddy”, “Silk”, and “Richie Rich”. He was part of a group called Rude Boy, however, those that knew him could only describe him as a gentle giant. He was kind, soft spoken and had a huge heart. He adored his family and would do anything for them. To know Richard was to love him, and because of this, he will be missed by many.

Richard Darnell Johnson, age 55, of Toledo, passed away on Thursday, May 10, 2018 at the University of Toledo Medical Center. His passing is preceded by his parents: Samuel Johnson and Lula Simpson; his grandparents: Cora Johnson, Willie-Ann  and Robert Allen; his daughter: Ashia Victorian; his sister: Veralise Nash and two brothers-in-law: Fred Williams and Andre Tucker. 

To cherish his memory, he leaves his fiancé: Tammy Clark; his children: Ricardo (Keirsten) Johnson, Cassidy Johnson, Tiffany (Jason) Maveal and Tracy (Michael) Makela,; his siblings: Rubie Williams, Samuel Nash, Robert (Kiyoko) White, Rita (James) Austin, Verniadean (Robert) Billings, Sandra K Tucker, Jessica Johnson and Samuel Johnson; his grandchildren: Giya, David, Cayden, Madison, Geniya, Malakai, McKinleigh, Charleigh and Nasir. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins and a host of friends.

There will be a Celebration of Richards Life held on Saturday, May 19 at Arthur Lesow Community Center in Monroe from 1pm until 4pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family for funeral arrangements. Arrangements have been entrusted to Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185.

Online guests may leave words of comfort and inspiration or share a photo by visiting our website at www.merklefs.com