Obituary for Thomas Johnson

Thomas Kae Johnson, 80, of Thatcher, passed away on Friday, Dec. 18, 2020, in Scottsdale.  Thomas was born on Sept. 1, 1940, in Lake Park, Iowa to Cecil and Lorraine Johnson, with siblings DeVere, Alan, Janice, Jil, and Andrew.

Thomas went to school in Round Lake, Minnesota, and graduated in 1958. Thomas served in the Minnesota National Guard. Thomas married the love of his life, Becky, on Nov. 21, 1992.  Together they shared a nicely blended family, Lonnie, Tim, Terry, and Shannon (also known to everyone as “Sis”).

Thomas enjoyed golfing, fishing, sailing, traveling, and always looked forward to a good game of cards.  He also enjoyed playing tricks on his wife, Becky, and loved giving twinkies to his granddaughter Kendyl.  He was a very kind and generous man and a hard worker.

Thomas Johnson

Thomas was very active and extremely committed to his community.  He also belonged to the National Automobile Dealer Association for nine years, where he was named the “Time Dealer of the Year” in 2015.  He belonged to the  Arizona Automobile Dealer Association for 43 years, was the Past President of Graham County Chamber of Commerce, and was the Vice-Chair  2020 for Mount Graham Regional Medical Center District Governing Board. Tom served from 1990 until his passing. He was a long-standing member of the Safford Elks Club, a member of the American Legion, and a past member of the Safford Rotary and Safford Lion’s Clubs. He generously gave and supported the Shriners Hospitals for Children and the Graham County Fair.

Thomas is survived by his loving wife Becky Johnson; his children, Tim, Terry and “Sis”; his siblings, Alan (Fran) Johnson of Colorado, Janice Lennon of Iowa, Jil (Bruce) Clarkson of Minnesota, and Andrew (Monica) Johnson of Wisconsin; 10 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren.

Thomas is preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Lorraine Johnson; his sibling, DeVere (Kaye) Johnson; his daughter, Johnna Johnson, and his son, Lonnie Johnson (who passed just 5 days after Thomas died).

The funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 6, at Safford Cemetery. A live stream will be available for those who cannot attend on McDougal’s Caldwell Funeral Chapel Facebook Page. Interment will follow in the Safford Municipal Cemetery II.