Blaylock Johnson

Blaylock Johnson of Logan passed away, surrounded by many loving family members, at his home in Logan on December 1, 2006.

Born December 24, 1921, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, he was the third of seven children born to Clarence Frithiof and Annie Blaylock Johnson.

Blaylock attended Eagle Rock Elementary in Idaho Falls and High School in Shelley, Idaho, graduating in 1940. He married his high school sweetheart, Reba Tew, in 1940.  In 1941, he was sealed to her in the Salt Lake Temple. Near the end of World War II in 1945, he was activated into military service as a Rifleman Instructor at Fort Hood, Texas. In serving his country he left his wife and four young children at home.

Blay was a retired farmer and school teacher. His farming years were on the family farms and dairy north of Shelley. During the early to mid 1950’s, he helped develop and operate a large potato growing operation west of Blackfoot. Later, he worked a smaller farm north of Blackfoot. 

In 1963, he moved his family to Smithfield, Utah, to begin a new life as a university student and, eventually, a teacher for 20 years.  He and Reba graduated together from the USU College of Education in 1966.  In 1969, they completed Masters’ degrees in Special Education. He taught in Brigham City, at Utah State University, and at Sandridge Junior High School in Roy.  He is remembered for his compassion with and great ability to assist students who often found school difficult.  Former students credit him for their success in school and life.

Blaylock was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where he served in many capacities, including; Bishopric, High Priest leader and teacher. His scouting began at a young age, and at age 16 he received the rank of Eagle Scout.  Later, he worked as a scout leader with different scout groups in the Teton Peaks Council.  He was an experienced backpacker and fisherman. He often hiked with scout troops into the Teton wilderness and the Bechler area of Yellowstone. He received the Silver Beaver award for dedicated service to youth.

After retirement at 65, Blaylock and Reba were able to make several trips visiting many parts of the world. They made new friends wherever they traveled.

Between 1989 and 1991, Blay and Reba served in the Coventry England Mission.  For nine years after their mission, they were officiators in the Logan Temple.

Family members will remember him as a gracious, loving and kind father and husband who demonstrated unconditional love and compassion to all.  He was never too busy to spend time with children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Even as he knew the time was nigh, he was often heard to inquireas to the well-being of family members.  He helped make these moments on earth more pleasant and meaningful for friends and family.

Blaylock is survived by his wife of 65 years, Reba Tew, and their 10 children: Steven (Amy) Honeyville, Utah; Marilyn Beck (Darrell) Idaho Falls, Idaho; Brent (Marilyn) Ogden, Utah; Sheryl Roper Hodges (Kirk) North Logan, Utah; Lynette Dickey (David) Millville, Utah; Nolan, Redondo Beach, California; Bryce (Robyn) Boise, Idaho; Rosemary Christiansen (Clair) Newton, Utah; Bryan (Debbie) Orem, Utah; Ranae Wyatt (Gary), Emporia, Kansas; 38 grandchildren and 53 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a brother, Rene Johnson and a sister, Janice Muir.  He was preceded in death by his parents, two grandchildren, one brother (Don) and three sisters (Faun, Ruth, Ilogene).

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday, December 7, 2006 at the Lundstrom Park First Ward, 1260 North 1600 East Logan, Utah.  A viewing will be held Wednesday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M at Allen-Cranney Mortuary,  420 East 1800 North, North Logan, Utah.   A short viewing will also be held from 9:00 until 10:00 at the Lundstrom Park First Ward on Thursday. Interment will be at approximately 3:00 P.M. in the Fielding Memorial Cemetery in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Military rites will be performed by the Bonneville County Veteran’s Team.  Family and friends are invited to gather at the Shelley First Ward Church immediately following interment.

The family wishes to express sincere appreciation for the kind and thoughtful services rendered by Helen Zollinger and Intermountain Hospice.