Max Dee Johnson

Max Dee Johnson was born in Ogden, Utah on August 22, 1935 to Vernal Nels Johnson and Thelma Elizabeth Anderson.

Max graduated from Ogden High School in 1953, where he participated in wrestling and golf. He was the Utah State wrestling champion in the 98 lb. division in 1953.

In 1951, he was the Utah Open Jr. Golf Champion. This was the beginning of his great love of golf. Throughout his life he won many tournaments and has a large collection of trophies and plaques. He served as a marshal at the Colonial Invitational Golf Tournament for 30 years.

He married Sally Ann Dahlstrom on November 19, 1955.

Max had a long career with Skaggs Drug (American Stores). He was transferred throughout his career to stores in Utah, Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, and Texas. His last store, in Hurst, Texas, before retiring was the #1 money making store in the AlphaBeta Chain. He loved to build merchandise displays in his stores and often won awards from many different vendors. His favorite time of year was the Christmas season. He dressed up as Santa each year and greeted all the children and gave them each a treat.

His hobbies included picture taking. He always had his camera or video recorder. He also enjoyed decorating his yard at Christmas. He had thousands of lights, animated yard art and music – the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas albums amplified thru the windows. His favorite place to spend extended time was at the cabin on the South Fork of the Ogden River. He spent many relaxing hours sitting by the river and enjoying and the surrounding nature. We were lucky enough to have moose live in the area. He would catalog each moose thru photos each year. He gave them each a name – beginning with W; Wilbur, Willie, Wanda, Winston, Washington, Waldo…He also loved to fish and was always able to pull a fish out of his favorite hole.

He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in many positions and always gave of himself and served everyone – friends, neighbors, acquaintances, even strangers. He served faithfully every Tuesday morning in the Dallas Temple for 30 years. When he was declining with heart failure one of the grandchildren commented that “it wasn’t possible because grandpa had the biggest heart of anyone he knew”.

Max passed peacefully at his home on August 1, 2023 with his family surrounding him recalling memories and stories of great experiences together.

He had 4 brothers and 4 sisters.

Max is survived by his wife, Sally Ann Dahlstrom Johnson; children, Susanne Harrison & husband, Vance of Farmington, Utah, Max Harold – Hal & wife, Patrice of Buda, Texas, Mark Dee & wife, Shannon Johnson of Kennedale, Texas, Alexander Brewer & wife, Angela Johnson of Arlington, Texas, and Marjorie and husband, Chris Anderson of Ogden, Utah; 19 grandchildren; and 44 great-grandchildren. Max considered his family his greatest blessing.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
https://philanthropies.churchofjesuschrist.org/humanitarian-services
Brother Johnson’s memorial service will be on Monday, August 7th at 11 AM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints located at 3809 Curt Dr., Arlington, TX. Please join us to celebrate Brother Johnson’s life. The memorial service will be broadcast via Zoom at the link below:
When: Aug 7, 2023 11:00 AM Central Time (US and Canada)
Topic: Max Johnson a Celebration of Life
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://zoom.us/j/91245471825
Webinar ID: 912 4547 1825
International numbers available: https://zoom.us/u/abIcNUyZn