Joseph Dean Johnson, 81, passed away July 25, 2015 with his family by his side. Dean was born on March 31, 1934 to Joseph and Grace Bateman Johnson. Dean was a renaissance man, accomplishing many great things on his way to achieving the American dream. He was a proud veteran, entrepreneur, horseman, pilot and craftsman, but his greatest accomplishment was raising his family to become self-sufficient, contributing members to society.
Dean was born and raised in Union, Utah and was a graduate of Jordan High School. In October 1955, Dean and some friends volunteered to enlist in the US Army. Dean served tours in Austria and Germany where he was assigned to the 2nd Armored Division Rifle Team after achieving the top score on the M1 Rifle Shooting Range. He had the opportunity to explore the world and was honored by the Military for his dedicated service.
Upon his return to Utah, Dean took up an apprenticeship at Bennett's Glass and Paint. Shortly thereafter, he married his sweetheart, Sharon Swenson in 1958. Two years later, Dean opened Hillcrest Glass and Paint in Midvale, Utah, which he ran for over 40 years.
From a young age, Dean always had a passion for horses and was actively involved in raising and racing them. Dean was a member of the Utah Valley Cutter Association and brought home many first place trophies for his success in Cutter and Flat Track racing. Dean also enjoyed farming with his family, where he worked to instill the value of hard work and dedication in his children. Although they worked long hours, Dean always found time for boating trips with his family and friends, where he was an avid water-skier.
In June 1983, Dean followed his dream to fly and received his private pilot's license. He enjoyed owning and flying his own plane for many years. In his later years, Dean enjoyed golfing, restoring antique tractors, traveling to distant lands with his wife and friends and enjoying his winter home in St. George.
Dean was a great example to his children and he proved that with hard work, anything can be accomplished. Dean is survived by his wife, and his sister, Marilyn (Nolan) Olson. Dean was the proud parent of 5 wonderful children, Kevin (Jeannie) Johnson, Curtis (Suzette) Johnson, Craig (Jackie) Johnson, Carolyn (Bryce) Gubler, Chris (Tiffanie) Johnson and 12 delightful grandchildren. Dean is preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Virginia (Ross) Eskelsen.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, July 30, 2015 at the Union 2nd Ward Chapel, 1535 East Creek Road in Sandy. A visitation will be held Wednesday evening from 6-8 pm at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 South) in Sandy and on Thursday morning from 9:30-10:30 am prior to the services at the church. Interment Murray City Cemetery. Online condolences welcomed at www.larkincares.com.
