Francis Bernell Johnson

Francis Bernell Johnson, 85, passed away peacefully February 2, 2010 at home in Pleasant Grove, Utah. Born April 9, 1924 in Aurora, Utah to Francis Lester and Elvada Jane Ivie Johnson; the eldest of 5 children. He went to school in Escalante, Utah and graduated from Provo High and attended BYU.

He was a member of the US Air Force and flew as a B17 Bombardier and navigator over Germany in WW11. Francis attended Spartan College before working for Lockheed Aircraft where he spent many years in the ‘Skunk Works’. Francis worked on the design of many planes including the SR71 Blackbird and the F117 Stealth Fighter as an Aeronautical Engineer. He was one of the very best.

Francis served his entire life in the LDS church in many leadership positions; Bishop, member of the High Council, Ward clerk for nearly 40 years and served as an ordinance worker in the Mt. Timpanogos Temple. He loved to serve others and everyone around him felt of his goodness.

Francis was married to Patricia Sheehan and they had 3 sons; Dan, Randy and Mike. They were later divorced and he then married the love of his life, Betty Jane Lewis, in the Provo Temple. She had 10 children prior to their marriage and they later adopted Christopher Michael which made 14 children in all! Francis always wanted a big family and he certainly received his wish!

Francis loved his family, his country, fishing, hunting, and carving (which was an incredible talent), doing family history, making jewelry, gardening, leather works, calligraphy, reading, writing and plowing snow in the winter for his entire neighborhood. Each Christmas for many years, he would carve or make a handmade gift for all of his children and even some of the grandkids. He was gifted and talented in every area that he desired to grow in. Francis was a true friend to everyone in his LDS ward and even participated in the Pinewood Derby this past year with a hand carved fast car! He made each of his children feel special and remembered important dates in all of their lives; he was a Christ like father in every way.

There was only one thing our dad looked forward to more than when his 3 sons came from California to go fishing or hunting with him; and that was being with his sweetheart, Betty. Dad took care of our mom, who became ill with Alzheimer’s, with loving kindness until he could no longer physically do so, and then his daughter, Melinda Clark, became the angel who now cares for our mom. Dad will miss our mother, but we know they will see each other someday soon.

Francis is survived by his younger brother, Howard (Tove) Johnson of Orem, his sister DeLoa (Jim) Oaks of Boise, Idaho and sister-in-law Jackie (Milton) Johnson of Murray, UT.

Survivors include his wife, Betty Jane, son Daniel (Dale) Johnson, Randolph (Carol) Johnson, Michael (Connie) Johnson, Jessie Wheeler, Pamela Cohen, Alison (Howard) Chuntz, Christopher (Tiena) Cowden, Evan Johnson, Lisa Johnson, Melinda (John) Clark, Aaron Johnson, Wendy Smith, Lisbeth (Eddie) Carter and Christopher Michael Johnson. He was also a wonderful Grandfather to 43 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren; with more on the way!

Today we lost a friend, a dad, a hero. He served God, Family and Country. He was forgiving, selfless, and a man of honor. We know he will rest in peace and he is forever in our hearts. He is soaring with the eagles. Dad, we will forever love you.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 6^th at the LDS Chapel 408 W. 1300 N. Pleasant Grove, UT at 1:00 PM. Viewing will be held prior to the funeral from 11:30 – 12:30.

Interment will be at the Provo City Cemetery under the direction of Anderson & Sons Mortuary of American Fork, Utah.