Joseph “Joe” M. Johnson

Joseph “Joe” Martel Johnson, 81, peacefully passed away at his home in Ammon surrounded by family on Wednesday, June 28, 2023.

Joe was born on September 5, 1941 to Joseph Lewis Johnson and Minnie Ruth Thornton in Pocatello, Idaho. He attended schools in Pocatello and high school in Twin Falls.

Joe served in the Army as a communications specialist and later staff driver for the commanding officer.

Joe married Deanna Howard on June 1, 1962 in Twin Falls, Idaho. They had two children, Jodi and Monte. While his kids were younger, they lived in California and Utah. They later divorced. Joe married his sweetheart, Debra Bowles on September 25, 1981 in Ririe, Idaho.

He worked as a truck driver for Pacific Fruit in Salt Lake City, and later as an installer for Pacific Bell in California and Mountain Bell in Idaho. He spent a few years in Alaska, which was always Joe’s dream. He worked at Martin Stationers in purchasing, owned The Bone Store for a short time, and worked at Overtime Sports. Joe lived a majority of his life in the Idaho Falls/ Ammon area.

Joe was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was also a big supporter of the NRA and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

Joe was an avid sportsman. He loved hunting, guiding, and fishing. His favorite job was Camp Cook. Joe looked forward to hunting trips with his son Monte. One hunting trip he always talked about was the Selway with his brother Chris, brothers-in-law Eddie and Lee, and father-in-law Darrell. Joe also coached Monte in Grid Kid football and baseball. He was also a coach for a short time for the Idaho Falls City League Women’s Softball. Joe’s greatest hobby, his pride and joy, were his kids, grandkids and great-grandkids.

He is preceded by his parents, Joseph (Lew) and Minnie (Ruth) Johnson.

Joe is survived by his sweetheart, Debra Johnson; daughter Jodi (John) Olson of Rigby, ID; son Monte Johnson of Eagle, ID; sisters, Pat Reynolds of Tulare, CA, and Kathy Johnson of Coos Bay, OR; and brothers Chris (Norma) Johnson of Carson City, NV, and Jim (Lisa) Johnson of Sacramento, CA; grandchildren Sheena (Josh) Messick, Alysha (Derrik) Tannahill, Tyson (Brook) Olson, Nick (Desiree) Johnson and Eric (Hailey) Olson; and great-grandchildren Braxtyn, Makenna, Kason, Kannon, Hadley, Greyson, Hutton, and Lane.

Graveside services for Joe will be held on Friday, July 7, 2023 at 12:30 p.m. at the Annis Little Butte Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of Eckersell Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.eckersellfuneralhome.com