Steven Duane Johnson

After battling cancer since 2010, Steven Duane Johnson passed away on September 22, 2025. He was born on April 29, 1945, in Montpelier, Idaho, to Duane Hyrum and Jean Hayes Johnson. He was raised in Georgetown, Idaho, where he helped his dad on the farm, taking care of the animals and learning what it meant to work hard. And no doubt, he probably raised a lot of trouble in his teen years.

Living in Idaho and working on the farm meant he could get his driver’s license at the age of 14, which he did. He always loved that hometown of his. When his family later moved to Layton, Utah, he stayed behind with his Grandma Hayes until his aunts decided it was too much for her. He then joined his family in Layton, where he finished school and graduated from Davis High School in Kaysville in 1963, after moving there his senior year.

He was drafted into the U.S. Army in October 1965. His basic training was at Ft. Ord, California, and then he was stationed at Ft. Bliss in El Paso, Texas. He worked in the Nike Hercules Missile Unit, spent time at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, and served Uncle Sam for two years.

He married Ann Simpson on May 28, 1966, in Hooper, Utah. They were sealed for eternity on May 28, 1968, in the Salt Lake City Temple. This past May marked 59 years together.

After his discharge from the Army, they lived in Layton before buying a home in Syracuse, Utah, in 1969. Seven years later, in May of 1976, they bought a home with acreage in Syracuse, where they spent the next 49 years.

After the Army, Steven worked for Eimco Corporation and then Mountain Bell Telephone Co. He also worked with his dad, running heavy-duty equipment and driving dump trucks. Deciding he didn’t like having a boss, he started his own company, Johnson Excavating and Trucking, Inc. He purchased a backhoe and dump truck and loved “playing in the dirt.” He became an excellent heavy-duty machine operator, very precise when digging basements—often getting them almost exact even before using a laser for measurements. He later purchased a dozer and track hoe so he’d have the proper equipment for whatever the job required. Steven also had a desire to be a police officer and eventually graduated from the Police Officer Academy. He worked the night shifts for Syracuse City and East Layton Police Departments, after working with equipment during the day. Later, he partnered in a second business, RJ Excavating, which his son Larry eventually took over.

Some of his favorite things to do were fishing, camping, and spending time with family. He loved his Harley Davidson motorcycles, and it was a sad time for him when he could no longer ride due to health issues.

He built a family cabin in the Uintas and loved spending time there with family and friends for about 36 years before selling it to their adopted family, the Streadbecks. He was also a member of the Ogden Boat Club in Huntsville, another favorite spot for camping with family and friends.

Steven and Ann were blessed with opportunities to go on several cruises, seeing incredible sights and countries. When their oldest granddaughter, Ashlie, turned 16, Steven decided he was taking her on a cruise—something Ann wasn’t sure about, since continuing that tradition for 15 grandkids would be a lot! But of course, he won. It turned out to be so fun to take them and let them experience cruising. They were able to take all but three granddaughters before his health declined; but they joined them on a family vacation, so in the end, he did cruise with all 15 grandkids.

After becoming an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he served as executive secretary to Bishop Goble, a calling he loved because it allowed him to talk with so many members of the ward. He also served for 12 years as the ward librarian. He enjoyed this as well—meeting ward members and handing out cookies to the Primary and anyone else who wanted one.

He had the opportunity to tour the Syracuse Temple during construction, something he was excited about since he didn’t think he would live to see its completion. But he did, and he was able to tour it during the open house again. His goal was to live until his 80th birthday, and he reached that milestone this past April.

He loved his family dearly and was so proud of his sons and their accomplishments, though it was sometimes hard for him to express it.

Steven is survived by his wife, Ann; his three sons, Larry (Angie), Kevin (Veronica), and Brett; his 15 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren with two more on the way; and his siblings, Judy (Ken) Wilkes, Kaye Freeland, and Darel Johnson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Bonnie (who died shortly after birth), and his in-laws Earl and Lillian Simpson.

The family would like to thank Dr. Justin Mansfield and the many doctors and caregivers at Huntsman Hospital who cared for Steven, especially Dr. Benjamin Maughan and his staff.

Funeral Services:

A viewing will take place on Thursday, September 25th, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at Russon Brothers Mortuary in Syracuse. On Friday, September 26th, there will be a viewing from 9:45–10:45 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 1285 South 2500 West in Syracuse, Utah. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the same location.

Following the services, Steven will be laid to rest at the Hooper City Cemetery.