Kenneth Johnson

Kenneth Kirk Johnson 1911-2009 Loving husband, father and grandfather returned home to his Heavenly Father on June 10, 2009. Ken passed away peacefully at home at the age of 98. He was the loving and compassionate patriarch of a five generation family. Ken, the son of Alfred and Mabel Kirk Johnson, was born January 27, 1911 in Lindon, Utah. He married his eternal sweetheart Lyla Agnes Snyder, July 27, 1933. Their marriage was solemnized in the Salt Lake City Temple March 20, 1964. They were married nearly 56 years, with Lyla passing away nine days before their anniversary. Ken and Lyla were the proud parents of seven children. They had 36 grandchildren, 47 great grandchildren and 20 great great grandchildren. Ken lived a rich and full life. He accomplished many things and was known for his twinkling blue eyes, love of family and friends, his wit and warm laughter. He served honorably in the US Navy during WWII from Dec 1943- Dec 1945. He was a truck driver, carpenter, worked for Tooele Army Depot and owned his own asphalt company. He worked for 20 years for the US Postal Service garage and retired from service there in 1980. Ken and Lyla were among the first specialized foster parents in Utah. They opened their hearts and home to 57 children during their tenure as foster parents. Kens first priority was his family. He was a loving and generous person. Dad, we wish you a happy reunion and will strive to live up to the example you set. We love you thanks for the ice cream cones. Survived by children Cleo (Art) Anderson, South Jordan, Bruce Kirk (Marna) Johnson, Tooele, Vivian Harvey, Tooele, Nyla (Ernie) Cook, Sandy, Michael (Terri) Johnson, Midvale and Barbara Johnson, Salt Lake City, brother Merlyn (Bonnie) Johnson, Coalville, sisters-in-law Charlotte Johnson, Amy Hewlett and Shirley Snyder. Preceded in death by his wife Lyla, eldest daughter Edna, brothers LeRoy, Clyde and Leon, sons-in-law Michael Baca, Ronald Webb and Clifford Harvey. The family would like to express our thanks to the doctors and nurses at the VA hospital and to Rocky Mountain Hospice. Special thanks to Rick, Sharon, JoAnn, Frank and all Kens friends at Somerset Gardens. Also to Kens granddaughters Theresa, Ronda, Jodie, Rebecca & Leslee, who took great care of him so he could be at home for the past 5 years. We appreciate all you have done for our dad. You are angels. Friends and family may call at McDougals Mortuary, 4330 South Redwood Road for a viewing on Saturday, June 13th from 10 am until 11:45 am with funeral services immediately following from Noon 1pm.