Paul Lyman Johnson

Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, Paul Lyman Johnson, Sr., passed peacefully from this life June 19, 2014 from injuries sustained in a car accident. Paul was born March 19, 1949 in Montpelier, Vermont to Moroni Edison and Gertrude Lucy Pratt Johnson, the youngest of three children. His early childhood was spent in Barnard, Vermont working with his father and Uncle Emery in the logging industry and running a dozer. Those years left him with a great love for running equipment which would carry throughout his entire life. Paul graduated from Woodstock High School in June, 1967. He married Betty Ruth Churchill July 15, 1967. They made their home on family-owned land in Barnard and were blessed with five sons, one daughter and a nephew who they considered their own. In 1983 they moved their family to Braintree, Vermont. Paul worked in the construction business as a heavy equipment operator until January, 1970 at which time he, and his brother, Moroni, started a logging and excavation business together which lasted 12 years. In the early 1980's Paul went into the logging business by himself. After Paul and Betty's divorce in 1985, Paul married Elizabeth E. Tardie December 20, 1987 and were blessed with two sons. In August, 1992 Paul and Liz moved, with their two sons, from Vermont to Sandy, Utah where Paul began working for Reynolds Construction. He worked in the heavy equipment industry for many years including Dale Boerboom Construction and the last three years running a D8 Dozer for Millstream Equipment. Paul and Liz were divorced in March, 2004. Paul met and married Mercedes Ramona Soto August 6, 2004 and considered her three children as his own. He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings in the church. At the time of his passing he was Sunday School President of the Taylorsville 20th Ward. Paul is survived by his loving wife, Mercedes; children: Paul (Windy) Johnson, Jr., Jamy (Theresa) Johnson, Tammie Johnson, Joseph (Bethany) Johnson, Douglas Johnson, Andrew Johnson, Rick Churchill, all of Vermont; Chris (Stacy) Johnson, Charlie (Shianne) Johnson, of Utah; step-children: Julia Castillo, Jose Castillo, Julimer Castillo, of Venezuela; sister, Sharon Eva (Albert) Rice; brother, Moroni Salice (Jean) Johnson, Sr., both of Vermont; 11 grandchildren; 4 step-grandchildren 15 nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by parents. A viewing will be held Friday, June 27, 2014, 6-8 p.m. at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road, Taylorsville, Utah. Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 28, 2014, 12:00 noon at the Taylorsville 20th Ward, 3120 West 4700 South, Taylorsville, Utah with a viewing from 11-11:45 a.m. prior to services. As per Paul's wishes he will take his last ride on a log truck to his final resting place in Washington, VT. A graveside service will held Saturday, July 12, 2014, 11:00 a.m. the Maple Hill Cemetery, 100 Carrier Road, Washington, VT under the direction of Hale Funeral Home, Bradford, VT (802.222.5758). In lieu of flowers contributions may be made until Saturday, July 19, 2014 at any Zion's Bank, in the account of Paul Lyman Johnson Donation, account #015478639 (routing #124000054) to help with funeral expenses. Place of Birth:Montpelier, VTPlace of Death:Taylorsville, UtahOccupation:Heavy Equipment Operator