Dean Clyde Johnson

Dean Clyde Johnson, 84, of Arcadia, California passed away August 22, 2009. At the time of his passing he was at home surrounded by his greatest treasure: his family and loving wife, Wilma. Dean was born on January 11, 1925 in Willowbrook, California, the son of Estella Elsie Cook and Ralph Douglas Johnson. He was the second oldest of 6 children; brothers Ed, Leon, Jerry, Ken, and sister Maxine. At an early age, Dean learned the importance of family, hard work, dedication, and enduring through trials that would be placed in his way. At the age of 12, during the Depression, his father died in an accident. While his Mother supported the struggling family by cleaning homes, Dean and his older brother Ed stepped forward to help provide for the younger children and their mother. Each day his mother would bake bread for the two boys to sell for 10cents a loaf as they walked the neighborhood. As World War II arrived, Dean again saw an opportunity to help his family while also proudly serving the country he so dearly loved. Setting aside her fears, Dean’s mother gave her permission for her 17 year old son to enlist in the United States Navy. His pay warrants were regularly sent home to his mother and younger siblings. As a young sailor, Dean served his country from 1942 to 1946 as a tailgunner on a Gruman Avenger torpedo bomber. He served bravely in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters on the carriers the Card and Wasp. Noted places of heroism include Okinawa, Tokyo, and Iwo Jima. After the war, Dean continued his devotion to his family. While escorting his mother to a dance at the El Monte Legion Stadium, he met his true love, Wilma. The two were married on January 23, 1948 at the Chapel of Roses in Pasadena, California. They were blessed with three sons: Doug, Steve and Randy. However, Dean and Wilma felt their family wasn’t complete without a little girl. In 1964 the family was blessed when they brought home their daughter Daryl. Dean and Wilma were a natural team in building their future. Branching out from a small gardening service, Dean started what would soon become a very prosperous business: Johnson Tree Service. Dean and Wilma were soon joined in business by Dean’s older brother Ed and the formula for success was set. Having contracts with Southern California Edison, Johnson Tree Service prospered with work covering the areas from San Diego to Santa Barbara. In 1951, Dean started what would later become his greatest business accomplishment: Johns on Properties. One of his first orders of business was to build a residence for his brother Ed, now a paraplegic from an accident, and one for his mother. Dean and Wilma then purchased a home adjacent to his mother, where she could constantly be cared for through the years . In 1975, Johnson Properties would become Dean’s full time business interest as he sold Johnson Tree Service. Until the time of his passing, Dean and Wilma continued to manage Johnson Properties. Dean was passionate about many things, but the two priorities of his life were his family and being a worthy member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Additionally, Dean was an avid deep sea fisherman, runner, and fitness enthusiast. Without recognition, Dean and his loving wife, Wilma, have touched the lives of countless individuals with humble service, words of inspiration, and their example of love and commitment to each other in both times of joy and sorrow. Dean is survived by his wife Wilma, daughter Daryl, sons Doug, Steve and Randy and their spouses Mary, Patty and Alli. Grandchildren include Suzanne, Debbie, Amy, Kyle, Christy, Zachary, Jordan, Brittney and Brandon; great grandchildren Taylor, Tyler, Kate, Ryan, Cassidy Cilya, Jayden, and Zoey; brothers Leon and Jerry. Services will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 614 W. Foothill Blvd Arcadia, CA on Saturday August 29, 2009 at 11:00 AM.