Royce C. Johnson

Richfield, Utah – Royce Creel Johnson passed away Friday January 3, 2020, after months of failing health at the age of 88. He passed peacefully at home with his wife of almost 65 years, Thelma, and his daughters by his side. Royce was born May 28, 1931 in Aurora, Utah, to Von Eldon Johnson, and Clayola Matilda Curtis Johnson. As a boy he lived in Aurora and Milford where he helped on the farms, cleaned up the dance halls, and delivered newspapers. He graduated from North Sevier High School and then was called to serve in the Southwest Indian Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Soon after he returned home he was drafted into the U.S. Army where he served During the Korean War as Military Police. In 1953 he met the love of his life, Thelma Heaps. They married in the Manti LDS Temple on February 4, 1955, in Manti, Utah. The young couple moved to Provo to attend Brigham Young University where he graduated with a degree in Secondary Education. His life’s work was teaching the Social Sciences at Richfield High School. Royce was a very devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints where he served as a Sunday School Teacher, Elders Quorum President, in the Bishopric, as a Stake Clerk for over thirty years, and as a Temple Worker in the Manti Temple for eighteen years. His hobbies were looking for cars, shopping for cars, and driving cars. He enjoyed taking long drives into the mountains, especially to Fish Lake. He loved the outdoors, where he liked to go camping and boating. He had an appreciation for nature, and liked gardening. His favorite activity was supporting his grandchildren in their activities. His greatest love was his family, and his smile was never bigger or brighter than when he was surrounded by the little ones. Royce is survived by his wife Thelma Heaps Johnson of Richfield; his daughters: Janiece and Bob Tuttle of Richfield; Kaylin and Brian Fraser of Saratoga Springs; Brenda and Kendall Hales of Aurora; Carolyn DeLaFrance of Logandale, Nevada; his brother Clarin and Vicki Johnson of Richfield, Utah; 22 grandchildren; 50 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by both of his parent; his brothers: Chad Johnson and Mckay Johnson; a son-in-law Tom DeLaFrance. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 11, 2020 in the Richfield 4th LDS Ward Chapel, 159 North 400 West in Richfield where Friends may call for viewing Friday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., or Saturday morning from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. prior to services. Burial with military honors provided by the Salina American Legion Post #36 and the Utah Honor Guard will be in the Aurora City Cemetery, Aurora, Utah. Services are in the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Homes of Richfield and Salina.