24 May 1945 – 9 Jun 2025
4th-Great-Grandson of Philip Cardon and Martha Maria Tourn
3rd-Great-Grandson of Louis Philip Cardon and Susette Stalé
2nd-Great-Grandson of Emanuel Philip Cardon and Amelia Maria Merrick
Great-Grandson of Emanuel Alonzo Cardon and Rosa Vilate Terry
Grandson of Lloyd Marvin Christensen and Irene Cardon
Son of Freya Christensen and Eugene Johnson
Joe Johnson
May 24, 1945 — June 9, 2025
Bountiful, UT
On June 9, 2025, we all lost a very best friend, a man whose kindness, laughter, and light touched everyone he met. Joe Johnson, a man whose very purpose was to lift others, lead with love, and live each day to the fullest, completed his earthly mission and stepped into his next great assignment in the spirit world.
Born on May 24, 1945, in Tooele, Utah, to Gene and Freya Johnson, Joe lived a life rich in faith, love, and unshakable devotion to God, family, and his community. He was a man who never met a stranger that didn’t become a friend, never missed a moment to serve, and never passed through a room without leaving it brighter.
Joe moved through life embracing one assignment after another, each of which he magnified with his larger-than-life personality. He graduated from Bountiful High in 1963, where he was not only a talented basketball player, but also a natural leader, serving as Boys Association President.
He was recruited to play basketball at Weber State University by the legendary Dick Motta and played until accepting the call to serve an LDS mission in the Central Atlantic States. After returning home, he resumed his studies at Weber State, where he met and married LaVon Stout. He accepted his role as husband wholeheartedly. LaVon is honored to have been his wife and companion on this earth. It was evident in all he did that he deeply loved and cherished her.
While they were engaged, Joe was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Disease and given three years to live. This trial became a defining moment in their marriage, where they adopted their motto of: “We may never pass this way again,” creating a life filled with purpose, presence, and a refusal to take one another for granted. Their marriage stands as a powerful example to all who knew them.
In 1970, Joe accepted his role at Bountiful High, beginning his career as a basketball coach. During this time, he also embraced his most treasured role, the sacred role of a father. Joe and LaVon adopted six children: Ryan, Jodie, Katie, Jenie, Dallas, and Kellie. One of his greatest honors in life was being a father, a role he embraced wholeheartedly and never stopped fulfilling.
In 1978, Joe was recruited to sell insurance for Beneficial Life, a role he faithfully fulfilled until 1996. Yet, his true passion lay in his sacred church callings, which he embraced with unwavering devotion. During those years, he served as Bishop of the 41st Ward in Bountiful, then as Stake President of the Bountiful Heights Stake, and ultimately as Mission President of the Columbus Ohio Mission from 1996 to 1999. In every calling, Joe ministered with a heart full of love and a deep commitment to those he served. His missionaries held a special place in his soul, he cherished each one, and true to his nature, kept in touch with many of them for decades.
In 2002, Joe extended his service to the broader community by accepting the role of Mayor of Bountiful, a position he held for over 12 years, from 2002-2014. Under his guidance, the Bountiful Rec Center was built, offering a space for families and neighbors to gather, play, and stay active. He played a key role in the development of the Bountiful Pond, creating a place of beauty and reflection for residents and visitors alike. And these were just a few of the many contributions he made to enrich and strengthen the city of Bountiful. Joe led with vision, heart, and a sincere love for his hometown.
Another role Joe held closest to his heart was that of Grandpa Joe. He would travel any distance to be there for his 22 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren, showing up at every event, game, recital, or birthday with pride and joy. He never missed a chance to celebrate their lives and accomplishments. Each grandchild knew they were deeply loved, his home was always open, and his heart even more so.
Joe also took great pride in caring for his yard, keeping it as immaculate and well-tended as the temple grounds, always finishing his work by 7 a.m. sharp. He was such a regular at Parsons Bakery and Maverik that it’s fair to say he single-handedly kept them in business. But it wasn’t just the treats and Diet Cokes that brought him back, it was the people. Joe had a way of turning a simple stop into lasting friendship. He brought that same spirit of love to the golf course, not just for the game, but for the laughter, stories, and connections it brought him.
Joe’s greatest legacy is that of service. He served everyone, everywhere he went, in every assignment he accepted. He had a gift for making everyone feel like his best friend. Everyone loved Joe, because Joe loved everyone. He was a remarkable leader because he led with love. A rooted disciple of Jesus Christ, he truly embodied Christlike principles. He was the happiest, craziest, most fun person, quick to beat you at cards, tease you relentlessly, and show up at your door in your darkest hour to support and serve.
We will miss his runs to the dump, his smoky BBQs, his infectiously loud laugh, and his bear hugs. We love you, Joe.
Joe is preceded in death by his parents and his best friend, Phil Olsen. He is survived by his beloved wife LaVon, and children; Ryan (Amy), Jodie (Corey), Katie (Kyle), Jenie, Dallas (Brita), and Kellie.
A public viewing will be held on Friday, June 13, 2025, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at the Bountiful Heights Stake Center, 33 S. Moss Hill Drive in Bountiful, and again on Saturday morning, June 14, 2025, from 9:30–10:30 a.m., before the funeral services. Funeral services will be held at the same location on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. –12:00 p.m., followed by interment at the Bountiful City Cemetery.
Services will be streamed live on the Russon Brothers Mortuary Facebook page and on this obituary page. The live stream is posted below.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Joe Johnson, please visit our flower store.
-Published online at https://www.russonmortuary.com/obituaries/joe-johnson.
Joe Johnson leaves legacy of love and service
BOUNTIFUL—Joe Johnson had a big personality that filled every room he entered. He was all about service and love for others. The former mayor of Bountiful passed away June 9 after a fall. He was 80. He served as mayor from 2002 to 2013.
“Joe was always present and energetic,” said Bountiful City Manager, Gary Hill. “He cared deeply about the city and people. I would see him driving through town with his snowplow to help others.”
He was very much a people person, Hill said. “He’d stop by with donuts to say ‘hello.’ He worked at having a relationship with other cities which was important. His focus wasn’t just on Bountiful but for the broader community.”
Joe spearheaded the creation of the South Davis Recreation Center, he said. “He worked with other mayors to come up with solutions.”
He also helped with the creation of the South Davis Metro Fire District, said Hill. “At the time Bountiful had its own fire department. This was a solution for better fire protection and paramedic service here in this end (of the county).
“Joe loved people and it showed,” said Beth Holbrook, UTA Board of Trustees, who served with Joe on the city council for five years. “He was supportive to me personally and professionally. He was kind to my kids and we’d go to his house to play games. He loved games.”
Holbrook said he inspired her to run for president of the League of Cities and Towns. “It was a great way to have a discussion on a local level and hear what Bountiful is doing and hear what other communities are doing.”
Anytime the league met in Washington, D.C. Holbrook said they’d talk about what Bountiful was doing here. “We all have different backgrounds and perspectives but it gave us the opportunity to engage. You really feel like you’re important to the conversation. That really transcends.”
When the recession hit in 2008 there was massive uncertainty, she said. “Joe wanted to give residents something fun to do. We started the concerts in the park. It was a really great thing. Mayor Joe spearheaded that. We were trying to be thoughtful about expenses but give the residents something they could enjoy.”
The council was talking about a Town Square when Joe was mayor, said Holbrook. “His vision culminated into what we have now. It’s that revitalization that adds value.”
Johnson graduated from Bountiful High School and played basketball there. He later became a coach at the school. After high school Johnson was recruited by Weber State University. He played there until he left to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. When he returned he met his wife LaVon.
“You can’t talk about Joe without his LaVon,” said Hill. “They matched each other step for step. LaVon had energy and kindness. They were a wonderful couple. I don’t know how they found the time to do everything.”
“Joe led a life of service,” said retired City Recorder, Shawna Andrus who served with Johnson for two out of his three terms. “He was a bishop, stake president and a mission president.”
When he and LaVon were engaged he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease and given three years to live, Andrus said. “He asked LaVon if she wanted out. Obviously she didn’t get out. I think that diagnosis changed his life and the things he’s done.”
“Mayor Joe had a huge presence with a bellowing laugh and was everyone’s friend,” said Bountiful Mayor Kendalyn Harris. “He was active as a substitute teacher in junior high schools. He loved people. He was a dedicated father and grandpa who loved attending all his kids’ and grandkids’ events.”
Harris said she is grateful for his bold leadership in the city. “His and others’ planning makes it a better place for all of us today.”
“I loved him and LaVon so much,” said Holbrook. “They made me feel so good. That’s the best thing I’ll remember about them.”
He will be missed terribly, said Andrus. “It leaves a huge void with his passing.”
-by Becky Ginos, published in The City Journal (Davis County News),at https://www.davisjournal.com/2025/06/25/536735/joe-johnson-leaves-legacy-of-love-and-service?utm_source=davisjournal.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=davis-journal-daily&_bhlid=45d2b11583c86889d7d15035ae65317969371b3b
Bountiful City Cemetery, Bountiful, Davis County, Utah