Vere Hodges Johnson

1921 - 2008

Vere Hodges Johnson was born Aug. 30, 1921, to Alphalus Ariel Johnson and Blanche Jesse Hodges Johnson in Beaver Dam, Utah. He passed away at his home in Providence on Sunday, May 25, 2008.
Vere had what he described as the perfect childhood, surrounded by a large extended family. He graduated from Bear River High School in 1939, Utah State University in 1944, and Case Western Reserve University Dental School in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1948.
He served two full-time missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; first as a young man in the North Central States Mission (1942-43) and later with his wife in the Frankfurt Germany Mission (1985-86). He was an active member of the church all of his life. Vere preached the gospel and lived its precepts faithfully.
He married Winifred Amacher in the Logan LDS Temple on Dec. 19, 1947. They were married 56 years when she passed away in March of 2004. They were the parents of eight children. Family was all important to them. Vere worked hard at his dental practice. He practiced dentistry in Roosevelt, Utah; throughout Florida; and in Logan for 35 years. His home was a secure place where all were well-fed and entertained by his quick wit. Learning and education were not only encouraged but financially supported.
He had many interests. He loved the gospel, people, Beaver Dam, family history work, his grandchildren's sporting events, good deals, buffets, building projects, Arabian horses, computers, but most of all his family. He valued education, hard work, thrift, integrity and stressed to the very end that "family is everything."
Grandpa's large smile, big laugh and constant joking were infectious and endearing to all who knew him. He had a nickname for everyone or a story he would tell to introduce his friends and family to others. His teasing indicated that one qualified as his friend. We've all been educated or enlightened by the wisdom that he freely gave. If it could be built, he wouldn't buy it. If he had to buy it, he found the greatest deal in town, and the story of its acquisition became legendary. But we all know the acquisition of which he was most fond - his dear wife and the family they built together.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Winifred; his parents; and his brothers, Don and Thiel. He is survived by his children, Rand (Nancy) of Dripping Springs, Texas, Janice Stauffer (John) of Bountiful, Utah, Kathleen Thatcher (David) of Paradise, Utah, Paul (Jill) of Santiago, Chile, Bradley (Rosemarie) of Enumclaw, Wash., Todd (Diane) of Annandale, N.J., Scott (Melanie) of Snellville, Ga., and Robert (Mary) of Providence, Utah; 55 grandchildren; 46 great-grandchildren; and sisters, Mae Zollinger and Renee Nielsen.
The family would like to sincerely thank all the friends and family who cared so lovingly for Vere, especially the never-tiring devotion of grandson Kent Thatcher.
Funeral services will take place at 2 p.m. Friday, May 30, at the Providence 2nd and 3rd Ward chapel, 309 S. Main, Providence. Viewing will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 29, at the Nelson Funeral Home, 162 E. 400 North, Logan, and from noon to 1:30 p.m. Friday at the Providence 2nd & 3rd Ward Chapel. Interment will be in the Beaver Dam Cemetery.
Online condolences may be extended at www.nelsonfuneralhome.com.