Norris Kay Johnson

Norris Kay “Kay” Johnson, age 97, passed away peacefully on November 26, 2025, in Ogden, Utah. He returned home to his Heavenly Father after a long and full life.

Kay was born on February 8, 1928, in Spring City, Utah, to Norris Alonzo Johnson and Liona Louise Larsen. He grew up in Spring City, Springville, and Moroni. His mother, a schoolteacher, worked with him nightly, helping instill in him a love of learning that stayed with him throughout his life. He loved the Tarzan books and carried that sense of adventure throughout his childhood.

He graduated from Moroni High School, where he played forward on the basketball team and earned the nickname “Bones” for his tall, skinny frame. He also graduated from Seminary and spoke at the graduation exercises, something he always remembered with gratitude. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Army and was deployed to Japan as part of the post–World War II occupation.

The journey across the Pacific became one of the most unforgettable moments of his life. On Christmas Eve, the ship was caught in a severe storm, lifting so high on the waves that the propeller rose out of the ocean before slamming back down. After witnessing this from the upper deck, he moved to the lower deck and spent the night in the dark belly of the ship, trying to endure the long hours until morning.

The next day, the sea was calm. Two Thousand soldiers crowded the deck, relieved to see the light after the fear of the storm. Through the radio static, the sound of “Silent Night” began to play. When the announcer said the broadcast was coming from Salt Lake City, Kay stood and shouted, “I am from Salt Lake City, Utah!” The soldiers around him cheered, clapped, and shook his hand. For him, it became the most meaningful Christmas of his life.

After arriving in Japan, Kay was accepted into the 25th Infantry Division Marching Band because he played the French horn. The band performed at various locations throughout Japan as part of the division’s postwar presence, and this became a meaningful piece of his service.

After returning home, Kay graduated from Snow College. While working at the Kennecott Refinery in Garfield, Utah, he met Mary Leona “Jean” Mangrum. He fell in love with her blue eyes, her gentle heart, and her steady kindness. They married in 1950 in Reno and were later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. They shared 61 years together, raising four children and serving a mission at the Mormon Battalion Visitor’s Center in San Diego.

After Jean passed away, Kay later married Dawna Evans. Their friendship began at the Family History Center, and they were married in the St. George Temple. They served a mission together in San Bernardino, California, and shared twelve years of companionship, friendship, and service until her passing in 2023.

Kay spent more than 27 years in law enforcement. He began his career with the United States Border Patrol in El Paso and later joined the Salt Lake City Police Department, where he rose through the ranks as a Detective, Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Captain. He was named Officer of the Year in 1970, graduated from the FBI National Academy, earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Police Science from Weber State College, and received many commendations. He also founded and operated Ute Car Washes in the Salt Lake area for 25 years.

Kay loved the outdoors. Summers were filled with fishing, boating, hiking, card games, motorcycles, and evenings around the campfire at Fairview Lakes. He loved the houseboat trips to Lake Powell, visiting Branson, Missouri for musical shows, pine nut trips, and taking kids and grandkids to drive-in movies. Disneyland was always a favorite place, and he found joy there every time he went.

He served faithfully in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in many callings, including Bishop, High Councilor, and Stake President. After retiring, he volunteered at Dixie Care and Share for more than ten years and served in the St. George Temple baptistry for seven years. He enjoyed long drives in the mountains and treasured time with his grandchildren. His warm smile, steady optimism, and love of family were constants throughout his life. His grandchildren often said he was “stuck on happy,” a description that fit him well.

The family expresses sincere appreciation to the staff and caregivers at the George E. Wahlen Veterans Home in Ogden. Your kindness, patience, and devotion brought comfort in his final years.

Kay is survived by his sister, Pat; his children Dana (Terry), Julie (Mark), and Bryan (Ruth); 13 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Jean; his second wife, Dawna; and his daughter, Desiree.

Funeral services and interment will be held December 6, 2025, in Spring City, Utah, under the direction of Anderson & Goff Mortuary.