Thales Johnson

Thales Leroy Johnson, 83, of Idaho Falls, passed away December 31, 2016, at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center.

Thales was born June 14, 1933, in Kanab, Utah, to Joseph Smith Johnson and Mary Agnes Ford Johnson. He grew up and attended schools in Kanab and graduated from Kanab High School. He also attended Utah State University, Southern Utah University, and Idaho State University. He played football at both Utah State and Southern Utah. He was the first to letter in football at Southern Utah University. He earned a Master’s Degree and an Education Specialist Degree. Thales served in the United States Army in Korea and earned the rank of Sergeant.

On August 9, 1958, he married Barbara Ann Christensen in Terreton, Idaho. To this union were born four sons, Jon, Todd, Randall, and Chad. Thales and Barbara made their home in Idaho, where Thales worked as Principal at Challis High School and teacher and coach at West Jefferson High School. As a coach at West Jefferson, he started the football program and at one point during his career he had a three year stretch of undefeated seasons. He was Superintendent for Ririe School District for 21 years.

He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was inducted into the Idaho High School Activities Association Hall of Fame in 1993. He enjoyed watching sports, spending time with his family, and enjoyed hunting and fishing in his younger years.

Thales is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Barbara Johnson of Idaho Falls, ID; son, Jon Lynn (Mary) Johnson of Shelley, ID; son, Todd Thales Johnson of Idaho Falls, ID; son, Chad (Debbie) Johnson of Idaho Falls, ID; sister, Zelma Johnson of Kanab, UT; brother, Kent (Penelope) Johnson of Temecula, CA; sister, Laura (Doug) Hafen of St. George, UT; sister, Lou Jean Swapp of McMinville, OR; sister, Mary (Eric) Fleckner of St. George, UT; 14 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, son, Randall Leroy Johnson, brothers, Smith, Arden, Lynn and Quimby Johnson.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, January 6, 2016, at Ririe Stake Center, 14061 North 130 East. The family will visit with friends Thursday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home, 273 North Ridge Avenue, and Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the church. Burial will be in the Ririe-Shelton Cemetery.

Military Rites will be performed by the Jefferson County Veterans Memorial Team and Idaho Honor Guard.

Funeral Services will be held