Obituary of Robert  Vernal Johnson

Robert Vernal Johnson passed away on Monday, September 19, 2016 at the age of 85 in his daughter’s home in Highland, Utah. He was surrounded by his loving family. Bob was born March 8, 1931 in Murray, Utah to Vernal Melvin and Gwendolyn Taylor Johnson. He was the oldest of four children. Bob met his sweetheart, Leon, at a church dance. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple on September 6, 1951. Bob was a devoted husband and father of five girls. He always made it a priority to spend time with his family. Bob and Leon loved to travel and their family shares many wonderful memories boating at Bear Lake and Lake Powell. Bob’s beloved companion, Leon, passed away six months ago and the family is confident of their joyful reunion. Bob had a successful career in the grocery business. He started working for Albertson’s and was quickly recognized as a dedicated and hard worker by all who knew him. He had many opportunities to open and manage new stores throughout Salt Lake. He later went into business for himself, owning and operating a number of stores including Mr. J’s, Bobco’s, and Food 4 Less. He also served for several years as the President of the Utah Retail Grocers Association. Bob was a devoted member of the LDS church, and had a testimony of the gospel. He spent many years serving in various callings in the church. He and Leon served two full-time missions, the St. George Visitors Center, and the Salt Lake Temple Square Mission. They also completed a church service mission at the LDS Employment Services in American Fork, Utah. Bob’s life of service and dedication to the Lord were evidence of his love for the Savior, which he shared and passed on to his children and grandchildren. He is survived by his sisters Dee Ann Dykman, Sharon (Ed) Mears; and his five daughters Janet (Kent) Mendenhall, Perri (Ron) Ebert, Shelley (Lloyd) Barker, Lori (Warren) Kirk, and Randi (Berto) Dunn; 24 grandchildren, and 49 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 65 years, his brother Lynn, and great granddaughter Emmaline Ruth Barker. The family would like to thank Shelley at Envision Care for her compassionate service to our parents. The funeral services will be held Saturday September 24, 2016 11:00 a.m., with a viewing beforehand from 9:45-10:45 at the American Fork North 19th Ward Chapel on 1305 North 100 East in American Fork, Utah. A viewing will be held Friday, September 23, 2016 from 6:00-7:30 at Anderson & Sons Mortuary, 6141 West 11000 North (Timpanogos Highway), Highland, Utah. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the LDS Church Missionary Fund.