Sheldon Kay Johnson September 8, 1948 ~ January 3, 2022

Sheldon Kay Johnson, age 73, passed away January 3, 2022 at a care center in American Fork, UT.
He was born September 8, 1948 to Kay and Ila Johnson, who brought him home to Blanding where he was raised and began his life.
Sheldon was their first child and after seven years of waiting and the fact that he was such a cute little boy, he won over everyone’s hearts and was spoiled by all.
Nine years later, the four girls were added to the family and Sheldon was always protecting and loved his sisters. Sheldon loved animals, especially dogs and horses.
He grew up in his Grandpa Johnson’s hip pocket and helped him with his horses and had a few of his own that he rode in little rodeos.
During the summers, he worked with some of the local ranchers and loved it. When Sheldon was only five, Kay and Ila were called to the Southwest Indian Mission and he went with them.
He learned to greet the people they served in Navajo and was almost a distraction when they tried to teach because they all loved and enjoyed having him in their homes.
Sheldon loved his cars and trucks throughout his life and had a few nice ones. He loved watching NASCAR and knew what vehicle everyone in town drove or ever owned.
He had a good memory. Sheldon graduated from San Juan High School in 1966. He spent some time in Cedar City going to school and was drafted into the Army during the Vietnam War.
He was boots on the ground and trained as a paratrooper. This was a hard part of his life which he didn’t talk much about.
When he returned, he started working in drilling and later due to his experience worked in Las Vegas for the Department of Interior.
He was a technician who worked with the drilling samples, etc. on the Yucca Mountain tunnel project for nuclear waste.
He retired and moved back to Blanding because he said it was always home to him.
Sheldon was married at different times in his life. He was blessed with three sons and four grandchildren. He was so proud of them and loved them so much.
Sheldon had many friends and was a kindhearted person.
He is survived by his son, Shawn Michael Johnson of Las Vegas, NV; his grandchildren; and four sisters. Dantzelle Einerson (Dick), Ramona Lyman (David), Elizabeth Adams all of Blanding and Stacey Webb (Chris) of Highland, UT.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Kay P. Johnson and Ila Shumway Johnson; Dustin Kay Johnson (Son); Kevin Sanchez (Son); and Kent Adams (Brother-in-Law).
Funeral services were January 10, 2022 with interment at the Blanding City Cemetery with full military honors.
Card of thanks
The family of Sheldon K. Johnson would like to thank all who shared their thoughts and condolences to the family and gave acts of service, meals, flowers and hugs. We also appreciate the Blanding Seventh Ward and the wonderful medical help that Sheldon received over the past few months.