Kenneth L. Johns April 11, 1928 - December 7, 2023

Kenneth L. Johns returned home peacefully to his Father in Heaven December 7^th, 2023.  Though we miss him already, we find peace in knowing he has been reunited with his wife Deby, and his son, Kent.  Kenneth is preceded in death by his loving wife Deby; son, Kent; parents, George and Agnes; and sister, Oleta.  He is survived by his daughters, Rena and Starlene; sister, Betty; brother, Roy; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.  He is loved and missed by all.

Kenneth was born April 11, 1928 to George Francis Johns and Agnes Losser in Spanish Fork, Utah.  He learned the value of hard work from an early age as he worked on the family farm with his Dad, Uncle and Grandpa.

Kenneth attended grade and high school in Spanish Fork, where he met Deby.  He loved school and had a love of learning that he carried throughout his life.  Kenneth and Deby were married in the Salt Lake Temple May 6^th, 1946.  They loved and cared for each other for 70 years before Deby’s passing.  Kenneth missed her every day.  Kenneth also attended Trade Technical College in Provo for one year.

Kenneth was very handy and could do any job.  Before moving to Nevada, he worked as a mechanic and at Geneva Steel.  In March 1952, Kenneth and Deby moved to Clover Valley, Nevada so that Kenneth could work as a hired hand on the KC Ranch.  His next move was back to Spanish Fork to go into the ornamental iron business with his brother, Roy.  He soon moved back to Nevada and purchased the Weeks Ranch.  Kenneth spent his days working with cattle, riding horses, doctoring anything that was sick or injured, growing hay, gardening, milking cows and more.  And he loved it.  Kenneth and Deby raised 3 children who were their pride and joy.  Kenneth was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  He served in many callings and was always sharing his faith with others.

Kenneth was always learning and trying new things.  He enjoyed fishing and hunting.  Among his favorite trophies was his Cape Buffalo from Africa.  He played the harmonica and accordion very well.  He was an extremely talented wood worker.  He built gunstocks, tables, his cabin on the foothills and his own casket.  He had an eye for detail and was meticulous in his work.  His most recent project was restoring his 1928 Model A.  Kenneth was a gifted story teller, and he always left his audience rolling with laughter, brought to tears or simply captivated by his words.  One of Kenneth’s special joys was being Santa Claus.  He loved bringing joy to others in that way, including visiting patients in the NICU for many years.

Kenneth was always an advocate for agriculture and his valley.  He spent many hours as a member of the Farm Bureau, Select Sires Board, a National Angus Association Delegate and 4-H Leader.  He also worked very hard as a member of the Soil Conservation District, and was recognized for his efforts.  Kenneth was a Brand Inspector for many years and always had great stories to tell about those days.

Kenneth was incredibly outgoing and made friends everywhere he went.  His greatest love was his family.  He was part of as many parties, Christmas tree hunts, fishing and hunting trips, brandings, county fairs, ball games, recitals, performances, graduations and other events that he could be.

We extend our gratitude for the kindness and love we have felt during this time.  We also wish to extend our thanks to the staff of the Hearthstone Manor in Spanish Fork, as well as Kenneth’s friends there, who he loved very much.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 1:00 p.m(PST). located at 951 Lake Ave, Wells, Nevada. Family and friends may attend a visitation prior to the services from 11:30-12:30(PST). Interment will be at the Clover Valley Cemetery.

To honor Kenneth’s Santa Claus legacy, please feel free to give a Christmas gift to a family in need in lieu of flowers.

https://zoom.us/j/92251510036?pwd=UDVUaTJnV0R0MUJva3RaZ1F3YkdnZz09

Meeting ID: 922 5151 0036
Passcode: 363446