June 29, 1963 - March 2, 2026
Randy Taylor Johnson, 62, of Hot Springs, S.D., passed away March 2, 2026. Randy was born June 29, 1963, in Brownwood, Texas, to Wesley Faye and Essie Mae (Harkey) McNurlen. The youngest of 5 siblings. He played high school football for the Early Longhorns. When he was 18 he went to work in the oil fields of Midland/ Odessa and finished as a tool pusher.
While he was working for Kohler Manufacturing, he met Dawn Aaberg and her daughter Kelli, at Piggly Wiggly grocery store, where she was a checker. Randy and Dawn were married January 11, 1988, at the local gun shop by the Justice of Peace, on Randy’s lunch break. On July 11, 1990, Randy and Dawn had a son, Wesley Taylor Johnson. In 1991, they moved to South Dakota. He worked at Hills Material with his brotherin- law, Rob Aaberg. On October 10, 1992, he had another son, Jacob Allen Johnson. Over the next decade he worked at Trout Haven, Fall River Feedyard, LLC as a mill wright and yard landscaping. In 2004, he was injured and disabled and spent his remaining years as a loving husband, father, grandfather and uncle.
He was a full blooded Texan, often speaking about the State fondly and proudly wore his independent nature. He was a member of the Southern Hills Biker Association participating in local fundraisers and Toys-4-Tots. He had numerous Harleys over the years and rode them regularly. It was not uncommon to find a disassembled motorcycle in the house. His love for tinkering was prevalent. Collecting was an understatement, he had at least one of everything, he just had to find it.
He loved motorcyles but spending time with his two sons was his true passion. They enjoyed hunting and fishing, working on small engines, learning to weld and fabricating replacement parts. His wife made him proud when she earned her Bachelors degree. He was also proud that his children had attended college. He was a happy dad when Jake went to Mitchell Tech for Powersports Technology. They shared the love of motorcycles and wrenching. Randy enjoyed listening to Wesley and Anthony’s ranching stories and would offer and help or advise, on the broad range of skills required. Kelli’s adventures brought him humor on a daily basis. He was proud of the mother and wife that she had become and the family that she raised. He would often speak about his children who made him proud everyday.
He is survived by his loving wife Dawn, of 38 years; his daughter, Kelli (Anthony) Rhoe and their children, Kaleb Johnson, Garrett Rhoe and Lukas Rhoe, who made him a gentle and loving grandfather. He was exceptionally proud of the young men they have become. He is further survived by his oldest son, Wesley Johnson and the baby of the family, Jake (Abigail) Johnson; his brother, Monty Johnson of Early, Texas; sister, Leona (Mark) Engleson of Lufkin, Texas; numerous uncles, aunts, brothers in law, sisters in law, nieces, nephews and friends that were family. He was extremely loyal, having many friends since childhood to include Jimmy “Pooder” Sellers, Tommy McClain, Shawn Harris, Kevin “Caveman” Gibbs, Randy Sliger and Jerry Stanley.
Preceding him in death is his father, Wesley Faye and mother, Essie Mae; brothers, Gary Evans, Martin Ray, and Jay “Pops” Aaberg; Ethel Peters; friend, Larry “Hawk” Hawkins, numerous friends from Texas and a few good dogs.
Visitation was held on Sunday, March 8, 2026 at Chamberlain McColley’s Funeral Home. Funeral service were held Monday, March 9, 2026 at Chamberlain McColley’s Funeral Home followed by committal service at Highland Cemetery.
Memorials may be sent to the Randy Johnson memorial fund at the Black Hills Federal Credit Union.
Arrangements have been placed in the care of Chamberlain McColley’s Funeral Home in Hot Springs, S.D.