Donald Ralph Johnson

Donald Ralph Johnson, 97, of Lander, Wyoming, passed away on February 22, 2025, in Lander. He was born on January 30, 1928, in Vernal, Utah, to Quince and Chloe Johnson, and grew up on a ranch in Deep Creek, Utah. Don was the seventh of ten children.

After graduating from high school in 1946, Don enlisted in the United States Army and served in the occupational forces in World War II. He trained at the Army's Carburetor and Ignition school in Manila, Philippines, which led him to teach vehicle maintenance to the Japanese in Osaka, Japan, using equipment left by the United States after the war. Following his honorable discharge, he returned to Utah, working on the family ranch and at a Texaco station in Vernal. He later worked in highway construction, paving the dirt road over South Pass.

For the next 12 years, Don worked as a seismographer for Western Geophysical. During this time, he met Ardis Goodrich, and they married on February 23, 1952, in Elko, NV. Ardis often remarked on how handsome he was with his curly hair and blue eyes. They cherished their time together, enjoying car rides and building a life together. We take comfort knowing they are reunited on their anniversary. Their work took them to eight states in the western US. In 1960, they settled in Lander, Wyoming, to raise their growing family, where Don managed a Sinclair Service Station. From 1960 to 1977, he operated the station at three different locations, also owning the Sinclair Bulk Plant and delivering gas to local farmers and ranchers. Simultaneously, starting in 1965, he drove a school bus route for over 20 years.

In 1977, Don sold the Sinclair station and began working at South Side Elementary as a janitor. In 1981, he transferred to the newly built Westside Elementary, where he worked until his retirement from the school district in 1993.

Don was known for his strong work ethic, integrity, and trustworthiness. He was a familiar and respected figure in Lander. He showed his love through service and acts of kindness, always going above and beyond to solve problems for people, especially when it involved building or repairing something. He truly could do it all. He was a reliable man of his word, never idle, and always busy with projects. Every day he made a plan, and then he executed it, often completing projects for others. In his younger years, he enjoyed working on cars, buying those that needed work, fixing them up, and selling them.

Don enjoyed watching sports, especially looking forward to the National Finals Rodeo each year. Over the years, his miniature poodles – Freeway, Joey, Peanuts, and Jasper – were his constant companions, and they shared a deep affection.

After retirement, he built a front porch and a back deck for his home. He also crafted bookshelves, end tables, picnic tables, and other items for his family. He enjoyed gardening and embraced the challenge of cultivating new plant varieties in Wyoming's climate.

Don is survived by his brother, Loyal Johnson (Fruit Heights, Utah); his children, Cindra Edwards, Janet Despain (Bob), Bruce Johnson (Nancy), Kent Johnson (Beth), Kevin Johnson, and Karen Smith; 17 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; and 15 great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, his wife, Ardis, and his beloved son, Brent Johnson.

A viewing will be held at Hudson's Funeral Home on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at 10:00 am, followed by a graveside service at 11:00 am.

Please sign the online guestbook at: hudsonsfh.com