David Bruce Johnson

David Bruce Johnson was the firstborn to Norma Pinkerton and Charles Johnson Jr. on June 5th, 1952, in Phoenix, Arizona. At an early age, his parents separated, and for a time he bounced between his mom in Phoenix and his dad in the Show Low/Snowflake area in Northeastern Arizona—finally settling with his dad through high school.

After high school and during the height of the Vietnam era, David elected to enlist in the Arizona Army National Guard and served there for a time before meeting his first wife, Beth. David and Beth married in 1974, had three children together, Kristie, David Jr (JR), and Charles (Chuck). During this time, David was not his best self and the marriage between Beth and David rifted in 1980.

This divorce played an integral role in David’s life because he knew he needed to change. It wasn’t long after this that he was visited by the missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Tucson, AZ and started getting involved in church activities. From this time forward, David clung to the church and its doctrines. It was through this affiliation that he met Trudy Ivie whom he married in the Mesa, Arizona Temple on the 27th of March 1982.

For the next 44 years, David and Trudy lived a love-filled life full of obstacles, challenges, excitement, fun, and joy. Together they had seven children: Ethen, Jacob, Spencer, Ruben, Zachary, Nicholas, and Tierssa. With all the demands of a large family, David was determined to be the provider and spiritual leader in the home. He and Trudy were never financially blessed, but David remained a faithful, stalwart example of a father who consistently did what it took to keep a roof over the family’s head and put food in their bellies, both spiritually and physically.

Professionally, David specialized in retail business and developed a niche in selling shoes. During one of the most demanding times in David’s life, he worked on his Bachelor’s degree in Business while simultaneously working two jobs, serving as Elders Quorum President, and taking care of his family. His steady determination led him to achieve a Bachelor's degree and a Master's degree in Business. The apex of his professional life came when he opened his own store, Wides-N-More—a goal he had long pursued. Unfortunately, the store opened at the worst economic time since the Great Depression, and it closed only two years later.

It wasn’t long after this that David’s body started failing him; and in 2018 he was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) and prostate cancer. At the time, the doctors believed he would only live another three years at most—David miraculously lived well beyond that. From the onset of his ailments, he was determined to get better. He fought to stay strong,and whatever he could do, he was going to do—even if it meant faceplanting on the way to second base on a family outing.

The last days of David’s life were spent at home, surrounded by family who were in the business of doing what Johnsons do best: laughing, joking, playing, singing, crying, and snuggling. In poetic fashion, David gently passed into the Spirit world on Sunday, September 6, 2026 leaving behind him a legacy of faith, repentance, commitment, charity, and service never to be forgotten. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Trudy; ten children: Kristie, JR, Chuck, Ethen, Jake, Spencer, Ruben, Zack, Nick, and Tierssa; and 24 grandchildren.

The Memorial Service for David Johnson will be held on September 11, 2026 at noon. The service will be at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints building located at 1250 W 1400 S, Salt Lake City, Utah 84104.