Keith Johanson

L. Keith Johanson

Morgan, Leonard Keith Johanson, 81, passed away at his home Dec. 1, 2007.

Keith was born in Porterville, Morgan County; Utah to Leonard Duncan and Edith Carter Johanson on March 2, 1926.

Keith was raised in Morgan County. His childhood was spent on the farm in Milton where he worked hard doing chores and herding cattle on the open range. He attended Morgan High School and participated in basketball and football.

After graduation, on Jan. 25, 1944, Keith enlisted in the Air Army Corp Reserves and served as a gunner on a flight crew. He spent time in Okinawa and was honorably discharged, June 4, 1946.

He married his sweetheart, Grace Lythgoe, on June 20, 1947 in the Salt Lake Temple. They recently celebrated their 60TH wedding anniversary. They lived one year in California and the remaining fifty-nine in Morgan.

Keith was a very successful building contractor in Morgan for 30 years. He built over 100 homes in the valley plus three four-plex apartments. He was known for his beautiful work and honest dealings. He served as a charter member and was elected as President of the Morgan Junior Chamber of Commerce. He was a member of the Lion's Club in Morgan and served as President in 1965. Keith was also a candidate for the District Governor 28-U Lions Club, State of Utah. He acted as the Republican County Chairman for three years, and was a member of the Morgan City Planning Commission. In 1975, he started a new career as the maintenance supervisor of Morgan School District.

Keith and Grace served an LDS mission in Apia, Western Samoa and Independence, Missouri. Keith enjoyed hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, and golfing. He loved the outdoors. His greatest pride and joy was his family and their time spent together. His quick wit and sense of humor completed his loving personality. He was a great friend, highly respected, and will be missed by every life he touched and every hand he shook.

Surviving are his wife, Grace, of Morgan; 2 sons and 2 daughters, Larry Keith (Arlys) Johanson, Kristine Johanson (John) Sommers, Van Lythgoe (Jonene) Johanson, all of Morgan, Cindy Kay Johanson (Bill) Moody, of Syracuse and Kenneth George (son-in-law). Also surviving are 26 Grandchildren and 30 Great-Grandchildren, one sister, Thelma Ovard, of Henefer, three brothers, Norris (Patti) Johanson of Layton, Bob (Betty) Johanson of Morgan, and Malin (Janice) Johanson of Clinton. Keith was preceded in death by Jennifer George (daughter), Olivia Mae Hadley (great-granddaughter), Don Johanson (brother), and Doug Ovard (brother-in-law).

Funeral services will be held Friday, Dec. 7, 2007 at 12 noon in the Morgan Stake Chapel with Bishop Jeffrey Richins officiating. Friends may call at the Walker Mortuary in Morgan, Thursday, Dec. 6 from 6 to 8 p.m. and Friday from 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. in the Morgan Stake Relief Society Room. Interment, South Morgan cemetery In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Missionary Fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.