Dee W. Johnson

Dee W. Johnson, 74, of Farmington, Utah, passed away peacefully on July 12, 2026 due to complications from a sudden illness. At the time of his passing he was surrounded by his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Dee was born in Ogden, Utah to James Raymond Johnson and Geraldine Burgener. He graduated from Ben Lomond High School in 1970 and applied for the Air Force ROTC program with a desire to become a pilot. Dee was the first ROTC scholarship recipient that was permitted to leave in order to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in the England North mission in 1971 and then later return to continue his studies. He graduated from the ROTC and received a bachelor's degree in Recreation Education from Brigham Young University. He then served in the US Air Force from 1976 until his honorable discharge from active duty in 1982.

Dee met his sweetheart Kristine Kennington while they were both in high school and they later married and were sealed to each other on August 13, 1974 in the Ogden, Utah Temple. Dee and Kris spent a year apart while Dee was assigned to serve in the Philippines, which, in Dee’s words, was “not a fun year”. Upon his return they raised their children while moving around the country on military and work assignments before finally settling in Farmington, Utah in 1988. The family grew to 9 children and now includes 31 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

Dee was not selected for pilot school, but his love for aeronautics was evident throughout his career as an Air Traffic Controller with the Federal Aviation Administration until his retirement in 2008.

Dee was a fan of sports and loved connecting with his children and grandchildren about what was happening in their lives as well as to talk about the various BYU Cougars teams. He has been a loyal and devoted caregiver for the past 21 years since his beloved wife was impacted by encephalitis.

Dee was a disciple of Jesus Christ and a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. You could count on him to fulfill any and every assignment that he received, whether small or large. In 2004 He was called as bishop of the Farmington 9th ward and served with love and dedication for four years.

Dee was an identical twin and as a young man enjoyed playing pranks on others with his brother Dale. In high school he excelled at basketball, track, cross country, and enjoyed starring in the musical South Pacific. You might think that’s all but, stick with us, Dee was a wonderful dancer and swept Kris off her feet when they met at a dance rehearsal in high school. Dee continued to enjoy dancing both by teaching social dance classes while at BYU and throughout the years by dancing with mom and the kids in the living room.

Dee is survived by his wife Kristine; children Mindee (Karl) Hoopes, Jason (Makenna) Johnson, Melody (Bradon) Bradford, Jeffrey (Cora) Johnson, Spencer (Britt) Johnson, Scott (Hailey) Johnson, Maloree (Darren) Valencia, and Shandee (Tyler) Perry; brother Dale (Cathy) Johnson; and his sister Radene Johnson.

Dee will be met in heaven by those who preceded him in death including his infant daughter McKaylee as well as his parents Ray and Geraldine Johnson and his brother Russell Johnson.

The viewing and visitation will be held on Sunday, July 19th from 6:30 to 8:30 at Russon Brothers Mortuary 1941 N Main St, Farmington, UT and from 9:30 to 10:30 on Monday, July 20th at the Farmington 9th Ward building - 695 South 200 East, Farmington, UT with the funeral service to follow at 11:00. Interment will be in the Farmington City Cemetery with military Honors conducted by the Farmington American Legion Post 27.