Richard Eugene “Dick” Johnson

Richard Eugene “Dick” Johnson, 84, of Galesburg, died at 4:45 a.m. Tuesday, July 5, 2016 in the Knox County Nursing Home.

He was born September 14, 1931 in Galesburg, the son of Quinton F. and Helen (Fuger) Johnson.  He married Jane Nelson on September 21, 1953 at First Presbyterian Church.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 63 years, Jane; five sons, Steven E. (and Cindy W.) Johnson of East Moline, Illinois, Jeffrey D. Johnson of St. Charles, Illinois, Richard H. (and Nancy M.) Johnson of Fountain Hills, Arizona, Thomas P. Johnson of Chillicothe, Illinois, and Robert Q. (and Michelle) Johnson of St. Charles, Missouri; two grandchildren, Quinton Paul Johnson and Erin Lee Johnson; and a brother, Robert D. (and Priscilla) Johnson of Corvallis, Oregon.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

Dick graduated from Galesburg High School in 1949 and from Harvard University, Magna Cum Laude, in 1953.  In 1953, he entered the United States Navy, where he graduated from the United States Naval School as an Officer Candidate.  He was honorably discharged in 1956 as Executive Officer.  After his discharge from the Navy, Dick was the manager of the family wholesale tire and automotive business until 1965. 

Dick started his nearly 30 year banking career in 1965 with Mechanics Homestead and Loan Association as Vice President of Lending and Marketing.  The bank merged over the years into Home Federal Savings and Loan Association of Western Illinois, United Federal Savings Bank, and finally Westinghouse Federal Bank, doing business in Illinois as United Federal Bank.  Over the years, Dick worked his way through the positions of President/CEO, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, and retired as President/CEO and Vice Chairman of the Board.

Dick has been a very active member within the banking community.  He had served on numerous boards and committees in his working years.  He was also an active member of the Galesburg community.  He was a member and elder at First Presbyterian Church, had served as President of the United Way of Knox County, Galesburg Chamber of Commerce, Galesburg Rotary Club, and St. Mary’s Hospital Board.  He had also been involved with the City Plan Commission, Boy Scouts, and the Galesburg Public Schools Foundation.  He was designated a Paul Harris Fellow with the Rotary Club, was a Chamber of Commerce Business Leader of the Year, and received the Tom Herring Community Service Award.

Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Monday, July 11, 2016 at First Presbyterian Church.  Rev. Shawn Smith will officiate.  The family will receive friends at a luncheon following the funeral.  Cremation will be accorded after the service with private family burial in Oneida Cemetery.  Memorial contributions in Dick’s name may be made to First Presbyterian Church, Habitat for Humanity, or a charity of the donor’s choice.  Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services of Galesburg is handling arrangements for the family.  Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.