Jerry Don Johnson, age 62, passed away unexpectedly at his home on August 7, 2024, in Delta, Utah. Born to Garland Orvill and Frederika Kate Blankenhorn Johnson on January 22, 1962, in Santa Monica, California, Jerry lived a life full of hard work and good times. All will remember Jerry as the type of person a person wants to be, and the type of friend a friend would like to have.
Jerry spent most of his adolescence in Winnemucca, Nevada, with his parents and sister, Linda. Jerry worked from a very young age to help support his family during hard times. Working so hard so young established a standard of hard work that Jerry lived up to for many years. Jerry worked in the drilling industry for the duration of his career, drilling various resources (methane, lithium, etc). Jerry became an expert in the workings of the drilling industry while meeting some of his closest friends with whom he had continuous relationships until the day he died.
Early in life, Jerry married Brenda Riding, raising four children together. Even after their divorce, Jerry and Brenda maintained a stable relationship and were friends until Jerry’s death. Jerry’s children were his most cherished accomplishment. You couldn’t talk about any of Jerry’s children without him beaming with pride.
Jerry enjoyed all things outdoors. Jerry enjoyed camping and exploring the natural world around him. Many camping trips took place over the years near his home of several years in Wyoming, which created many of the best memories people have of Jerry. In recent years, you’d likely find Jerry riding around town on his four-wheeler (often with questionable attire).
Jerry has spent the last years of his life in Delta, with his home base being at his daughter Debra’s house. Over these years, Jerry formed close relationships with his grandchildren. Memories created with Jerry and his grandchildren include frequent four-wheeler rides, periodic chocolate milk breaks, and old western TV show/movie marathons.
Jerry is survived by his four children who all reside in Delta: Loren (Dawn) Pence, Debra (Cody) Maxfield, Braden Johnson, and Swade Johnson; grandchildren: Chloe Pence, McCoy Maxfield, Ashlynn Maxfield, Hadley Maxfield, and Dak Maxfield; sister: Linda (late Mark) Perretta; ex-wife: Brenda Riding; chosen family: Bud and LaVada Fay; and close friends: Terry Riding, Kc and Cyndi Harris, Mouse (Robert Jacobson); and, of course, his Yorkie best friend, Minnie. Jerry is preceded in death by his parents: Frederika and Garland Johnson.
A Memorial Service will be planned in the future with details to be released later.