Orson Albert Johnson, 88, of Afton died early Saturday morning, Jan 22, 1983 at the Country Meadow Nursing Home in Ogden, Utah following a stroke. Funeral services were held at the Afton Second-Third LDS Chapel on Tuesday, Jan 25 at 11 a.m. with Bp. Allen J. Lowe officiating. Burial was in the Afton cemetery.
Orson was born Dec. 10, 1894 in Osmond, Wyo. to Charles Andrew and Anna Olson Johnson, the fifth of 12 children. He attended school in Smoot, Osmond and Logan Utah. He left school at Logan for the service of his country with the national guard in World War I and spent 18 months serving in France.
Upon his return from the service he met and married Cora M. Leavitt Aug 5, 1923 at Osmond. Later their marriage was solemnized in the Logan LDS Temple. He loved the gospel and was an active member all his life. He served in many positions including elders president, president of the seventies and as high priest secretary, with the stake baptism program for many years, and also as a stake missionary.
He served on the board of directors of the Lower Valley Power and Light for 17 years.
He was a successful farmer and rancher in Smoot. He moved to Afton when his son took over the ranch in 1952. He had a great love and concern for his grandchildren as well as all little children. He was a good example to all and was truly a missionary for his faith.
He is survived by his wife Cora of Afton; one son Lorin A, Johnson Smoot; five daughters, Mrs Dick (Venna) Kennington, Fairview; Mrs Monte (Sherma) Merritt, Layton, Utah; Mrs. LaDee (Raeona) Smith and Mrs Kurt (Ella Ann) Spencer of Afton; Mrs Burdette (Marie) Kearl, Kaysville Utah; one sister, Mrs Elva House, Portland Ore.; 23 grandchildren; 49 great-grandchildren; two great great-grandchildren.

Johnson, Orson Albert (22 Jan 1983)