Daryl Dean Johnson

Dean was born September 23, 1938, in Cheyenne Wells, Colorado, the third son of Jim and Margaret Johnson. He grew up there in a little frame house, less than 500 square feet, but he often liked to say it had expanding walls. In the late 1930's, two ministers came to Eastern Colorado, and it was at that time that his family embraced the Faith that would sustain Dean all of his life. Harry Brownlee was one of the two ministers and remained a life-long friend. Though Dean no doubt added to a few of Harry's gray hairs, there was never a doubt of his love for Dean and his family. Just before his senior year in high school, the family moved from Cheyenne Wells to Brighton, Colorado, and Dean graduated from high school there in 1956. Dean served in the Army from 1963 to 1965, at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. One of the highlights of his ""tough"" assignment in the Army was life guarding at the Officer's swimming pool and eating at the Officer's Mess Hall. Dean married Marlene Cox in August of 1966. Together they had three daughters who were the pride and joy of Dean's life. After having worked some 15 years for the Colorado Highway Department, Dean decided in 1968 that it was time for a change and went into business with his brother, Dan, renting and selling motorcycles, first in Tucson and then in Sierra Vista, Arizona. Returning to Colorado in the mid 1970's, Dean started an access flooring business and the family lived in Lakewood until 1988. Another move at that time took them to Lancaster, California, and there Dean worked for Danny Cotten in the metal building industry. A downturn in the California economy prompted Dean to follow his two brothers in over-the-road trucking and in 1992, Dean and Marlene again returned to Colorado, where they lived until Dean's death. Dean is survived by his wife, Marlene, brothers and their wives, Jim and Marilyn Johnson, of Phoenix, Arizona; Dan and Carol Johnson, of Dallas, Texas; and, although not by blood, ""like-brother"" Larry Nelson and his wife, Esther, of Peetz, Colorado. Children, Cassi and Todd Aarvig of Tracy, California; Kerri Johnson of Lakewood, Colorado; and Staci and Doug Link, of Lakewood, Colorado; four grandchildren, Jared and Jadie Aarvig, and Caden and Stella Link; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and wonderful friends. Please share your memories of Dean or condolences with his family by selecting the ""Sign Guestbook"" button below.