Richard Adam Johnson

“Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice; and no one will take your joy” (John 16:22) 

It is with indescribable grief and heartache that the family of Richard Adam Johnson would like to announce his tragic and sudden passing. He went missing July 2, 2025, and with little to no help from authorities, his remains were confirmed September 15, 2025. While there is currently an investigation, at this time the family is recognizing his date of death as July 2, 2025. Richard “Richie” Johnson, 51, was born on December 27, 1973, to Russell Charles Johnson and Maria “Terry” Reyes Johnson in El Paso, TX during his father's service in the United States Army. Richard went home to his Savior Jesus Christ on July 2, 2025, in Alamogordo, NM where he lived. 

He is survived by his wife of 28 years Naomi; son, Sergeant Draven Russell (Ariel) Johnson; daughter, Trinity Jubilee Johnson. He leaves behind sister, Victoria (Jeff) Barnwell with whom he shared a lifelong unbreakable bond; sisters, Sofia Reyes Tsou, Sarah (Chris) Pesses; brother Michael (Sharon) Johnson; beloved nieces and nephews, Nina Charvea, Roman (Kristin) Charvea, Israel Charvea, Marissa Charvea, Adrianna (Jaelen) de La Cruz-Busano, Samantha (Ben) Marquez-Johns, Joshua Marquez, Jeffery Barnwell, Macy Marquez, Joey Marquez, Christopher Barnwell, Emma Pesses, Samuel Pesses, Matthew Pesses, Penelope Johnson, Guinevere Johnson. Richard was an honorary grandpa to Daniel Robert Marquez-Hill, Mila Chevelle Marquez, and Ella Grace Marquez, bestowed to him by his favorite sibling, Victoria. He had numerous cousins that were more like siblings and many friends that were more like family to him. He will be greatly missed by his church family at New Covenant Worship Center. 

Richard is preceded in death by parents, Russell Johnson and Maria “Terry” Reyes; paternal grandparents, Richard and Leola Johnson; maternal grandmother, Juanita Boswell; cousins, Tina Morgan and Ronnie Perry; stillborn son, Ford Johnson. 

Richard “Richie” was born in El Paso, TX which he affectionately called “ el Chuco”. He lived in Anaheim, CA and was raised in El Paso,TX until moving to Alamogordo, NM, or as he would say “The land of Entrapment”. Always persevering till he mastered, growing up he enjoyed doing the hardest tricks on his BMX and skateboard. He made sure every arcade game in the neighborhood had his initials in first place. Richard would change subsequent initials into cuss words, it’s still funny. He shared a love for cars with father, always the eager student. He carried and continued that love throughout his life whether it was helping friends fix their cars or cruising his Harley. But his labor of love was his 1950 Ford he restored beautifully. Bought from a junk yard and double t-boned, what others saw as junk, he saw “Grease Lightening”.

A self-taught guitar player, music was medicinal to him. He had the God given ability to hear a song once and be able to play it with little to no effort. Always willing to try new things, he worked different jobs in his life. From a stocker at Big 8 grocery store, construction, plumbing in Denver, CO and Alamogordo, NM, to landscaping with his best friend Tyler. But that was what he did, not who he was. Spending most of his life working, his drive was simple: his family. He became a father after the devastating loss of his own father. Draven and Trinity gave him life, purpose, and incredible drive to be the best he thought he needed to be. Richard was the willing sole provider so his wife could stay home and raise their children. He volunteered for the hardest jobs, overtime, and taking late night on call duties all while charming to customers with his respect, good looks, and work ethic. He worked himself exhausted. His desire wasn’t wealth, as he often gave his last dollar to help someone in need. No, on the contrary, his desire was to do everything he could for his family. Like his father, he would use trials in life as learning opportunities of what to do and not to do. 

Richard was created with the spirit of a warrior. When others ran from danger, he excitedly ran toward it. He was passionate and refused to back down. He could be your greatest adversary, and the person you call when you’re in a fight. Richard was misunderstood. He was judged. He loved till it hurt. Richard's life was often hard, but he was the hardest on himself. Always trying to prove himself worthy but never seeing how amazing and loved he was. His tough exterior couldn’t hide his big heart, at least to those who knew him most. The storms in his life were many, but it was in those storms that he found hope and salvation in Jesus Christ. His life should not be a tragic memory, but a testimony of how God chooses the least likely to bring him the greatest glory. His light was so bright that the void of it has made more obvious how dark the world really is. His light was greater than this world could contain. Not gone, just gone home to the Father of Lights where his pain and suffering do not exist. Richard left sparks of his light in those who loved him, so honor him by showing that light, by forgiving instead of harboring strife, by listening instead of talking, by accepting instead of rejecting, by encouraging instead of breaking down, by blessing instead of cursing, by making sure to hug people and say what Richard always did “ I love you and God bless you fam”, by being that person that’s called when they are in a fight and need backup. Fight with prayer. Fight with praise. Fight with faith and love. When discouraged, look up to heaven and remember that he fought the good fight. 

We will see him again. The greatest brother, there will never be another. Until then, shine bright brother, shine bright. “Whosoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Roman’s 10:13)

Celebration of Life for Richard will be held at 2:00 pm, Sunday, September 21, 2025, at Alamogordo Funeral Home. The family has requested that everyone dress in blue and black to celebrate Richard.

The Johnson family has entrusted their loved one to the care of Alamogordo Funeral Home to direct the services.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Richard Adam Johnson, please visit our floral store.