Vernon Richard Johnson, age 89, beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, passed away peacefully on Dec. 29, 1999.
Vernon was born on May 16, 1910 to Willard Richard Johnson and Georgianna Cropper Johnson in Aurora, UT. Vernon had a twin sister and a set of twin brothers, as well as an older sister. He spent his early years in Aurora working on his parent's farm, fishing and riding his pony to Maple Grove. Naturally gifted mechanically, Vernon reveled in the invention of gasoline-powered vehicles and owned one of the first of the lines of Model-T Fords produced. At the age of 14, he drove the Aurora town school bus to Salina and Redmond twice a day.Vernon attended BYU and USU. During the depression he left USU to help his parents through difficult times by working on the family farm. In 1936 he met his wife, Golda Lindquist of Koosheram, Utah. They were married on December 18, 1936 by LDS Church President Heber J. Grant in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. During the early years of their marriage, Golda and Vernon coped with the effects of the depression with courage, tenacity and love.
Vernon was active in his church and community. He served in numerous callings, including as a member of the North Sevier stake presidency and Aurora ward bishopric, ward and stake clerks and president of the Young Men's Organization.
Vernon was successful in his professional life as a farmer and rancher and later as an engineer for the Utah State Dept. of Highways. In 1957, he was honored as the Utah Cattleman of the Year as well as the FFA Utah Farmer of the Year. He had the privilege of working with Ezra Taft Benson on the Council for the Utah Sugar Beet Industry. For 30 years he ran a farm and feedlot, marketing cattle and sheep. He enjoyed marvelous days on the beautiful West Mountain where he had grazing rights for his livestock.
Vernon worked for 10 years as an inspector/engineer for the Utah State Dept. of Highways while living in Salt Lake. During that time he designed the beautiful visitor's pavilion that stands overlooking the sparkling salt flats in North Western Utah. For his achievements with the Dept. of Highways, he received an award presented by the Governor's office of the State of Utah.
Vernon was a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather. He and his wife, Golda raised five children, all of whom are living: Kaye (Richard) Crane of Manti; Richard (Nancy) Johnson of Ft. Collins, CO; Susanne (James) Davis of Orem; Annette (Thomas) Kimball of Oakdale, CA; and Camille (Dennis) Odell of Logan. The couple had 14 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and two great great-grandchildren at the time of Vernon's passing.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, January 4, at 12 noon in the Oak Hills Chapel located at 2000 North 1500 East, Provo, UT. Friends and family may call beginning at 10:30 a.m. at the chapel on that same day. Interment, Aurora, Utah Cemetery. Arrangements by the Sundberg-Olpin Mortuary.