Larry Arnold Johnson

Larry Arnold Johnson returned to his heavenly home on April 14, 2026. Born July 5, 1936 in Stockton, UT to Arnold Ervin Johnson and Lillian Anderson, the oldest of 4 children. He spent his youth in Utah and later Richmond, CA.

He graduated from high school in 1955. Immediately after graduation, he joined the Civil Air Patrol where he was exposed to planes and flying. This began a lifelong love of airplanes. Soon he enlisted in the US Air Force. His class scored very high and were sent to Air Traffic Control school. He was then assigned to Thule Air Base, Greenland. Larry came from humble circumstances and chose to send most of his military pay back home to his mother. This is why he didn't own a car upon discharge (and why mom had to drive them on their first date).

After the service he went to Los Angeles for air traffic control training. It was while he was attending the LaCienega Ward that he met our mom, Janice C Poulson at a fireside. They were married and sealed in the Los Angeles Temple on August 19, 1961. Imagine, only 12 temples were on the earth in 1961 and they were blessed to live near one. Dad worked as a bank teller and they started their family... which would end up being 6 daughters and 1 son.

Dad used his GI Bill to get a private pilot's license. Jill and Karen have memories of flying with dad. He even flew his small family out of state for a vacation.Soon Dad got employment and great benefits as he settled into being a security guard in Century City. The last 5 children were born without costing a cent. This job allowed dad to meet Alex Haley of Roots fame on an elevator and see movies being filmed (such as Planet of the Apes).

Dad was a great example of hard work and perseverance. He often had 1 or 2 side jobs, such as delivering papers or doing yard care, to supplement his income for his growing family. He had a great sense of humor and loved telling jokes. He always had a cheery nature about him, making him easy to like. The family relocated to Spanish Fork, Utah in 1979 to be closer to extended family. Dad continued employment as a security guard and also found a passion for being an EMT. He volunteered for the Spanish Fork Ambulance for 20 years. In his retirement years he opened the "Old Glory Flag Co" on Main St. During 9-11, the entire store sold out in a matter of days. After closing the flag store, dad worked at Macey's where he was well liked and enjoyed working with the public.

Dad had (and has) a strong testimony of our savior Jesus Christ. He was an example of steadfastness in the gospel. Always willing to give a blessing of healing and father's blessings at the beginning of each school year. We remember him taking his small military copy of the Book of Mormon to work, to read on his lunch break. Even when life was difficult, he kept an upbeat attitude and knew everything would work out. He was a great example of positivity.

Dad was preceded in death by our mother, Jan, two daughters, Julene and Jennifer and a grandson, Jeremy. He is survived by children Jill (Todd), Karen (John), Heidi, Brian and Betsey (Dave), many grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings Lori, David and Carole (Carl). We are grateful for the nearly 90 years we got to have with dad.

We love you dad and will miss you until we are reunited.

XOXO

For those who are not able to attend, see the link below in the Funeral Service information to watch a livestream. Recording of the service will be available after the service has ended.

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