Alan Denoil Johnson

Alan Denoil Johnson, age 63, passed away peacefully on May 12, 2026, due to complications related to heart failure. Alan was born to Verl and Mary Godfrey Johnson in Tooele, Utah on May 17, 1962 - a “surprise” baby to his parents later in life, and a surprise to his then-teenaged older siblings. He grew up in Grantsville farming and ranching, playing sports, and living the childhood of a farm boy with space to grow. He graduated from Grantsville High School where he was a member of the football team, a championship basketball team, FFA president, and Seminary president. Growing up, Alan had a strong relationship with his uncle, “Cowboy” Jack Johnson. Alan learned to love football from Uncle Jack, and gained a love of Uncle Jack’s former football teams, the Utah Utes and the Detroit Lions. Alan was a lifelong loyal fan of both squads, maintaining his fandom through both good and bad times.

Alan married Shelley Coon on February 17, 1984 and they made their home in Grantsville, first at Alan’s parents’ farm, then at the Grantsville Stake Farm, which they later purchased and where they raised their five children. With the housing boom in the 1990s, they sold that farm which became the South Willow Estates development, which helped pave the way for much growth in Tooele County. Alan and Shelley later continued their ranching business in Spring Valley, Nevada and Callao, Utah, before retiring and finally settling in Delta, Utah.

Alan was a cattle rancher and a cowboy at heart. He was most at home working cattle on the range, or driving his tractor in the field. He was also a natural entertainer and storyteller. He always stuck to true events, but he could relate those events in such a way that the most mundane occurrence became an epic and often humorous tale. His talent in cowboy poetry was often in demand for talent shows and social functions. He played Santa Claus for many families’ Christmas parties. He often said he got his PhD in the School of Hard Knocks. One of his favorite sayings was “You’ve got to be tough to live in the West!”

Alan loved the Savior and he had a firm testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. He served in many capacities in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including a member of the stake mission presidency, a member of the stake High Council, a branch president, and a teacher in Elders Quorum and Sunday School. He spent much of his later years doing temple work, and helping friends and family attend the temple. His greatest achievement in his life was his family. He gave his entire life to helping his loved ones feel the Savior’s love and learn of our Heavenly Father’s Great Plan of Happiness.

Alan is survived by his wife: Shelley Johnson; and their children: Christina (Jared) Anjewierden, Emily (Jake) Hanson, Mark (Macady) Johnson, Alison (Ben) Christensen, and Shalayne Johnson; his brother, Garrin Johnson; as well as 13 grandchildren ranging in ages from almost 15 years to two months. He is preceded in death by his parents: Verl and Mary Johnson; his siblings: Blaine, Dean, and Tanna; his uncle: Jack Johnson; and his son: Alexander.

We as a family express our humble gratitude to the wonderful medical professionals at Utah Valley Hospital, Utah Valley Specialty Hospital, and the Delta Community Hospital. We thank the amazing nurses and doctors who went above and beyond in their care of our husband, father, and grandfather during his health challenges, and we also thank them for their care and courtesy shown to our mother. We also express the deepest appreciation to the members of the Delta 6th Ward, as well as the many friends and family who helped support both Alan and Shelley throughout this journey.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, May 23, at 11:30 am, at the Delta LDS Stake Center Chapel, 125 South White Sage Ave. Friends may gather with his family at the church, 10:00-11:15 am, before the service. Those unable to attend in person may view the recorded video of the service. Link will be posted with his obituary at www.nicklemortuary.com following conclusion of the service. Burial in the Grantsville Cemetery will occur at a future date.