Steve Johnston

Steven Clayton Johnston, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away on September 30, 2026, at the age of 75, following a brief battle with leukemia.

Steve was born July 28, 1951, in Berkeley, California, to Robert Francis Johnston and Joann Turner. He is the younger brother to Cathryn (Bob) Sanders and two twin brothers which passed away at birth. He graduated from Piedmont High School in 1969 and then served an LDS mission to the Helsinki Finland mission from 1970 – 1972. He met and married Kristine Anderson (Springville, UT) in 1973 and together they raised 5 children.

Steve attended Brigham Young University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and a Master’s degree in Business Administration. He went on to build a long and accomplished professional career, starting in the US Secret Service followed by various leadership roles with Federal Express that took him and his family around the world to England and Malaysia.

Steve and Kris served an LDS humanitarian mission to Bucharest Romania from 2005 - 2007. Shortly thereafter, Kris passed away in 2009. They were married for 36 years. He then met and married Donna Summers in 2010. Together they served in the Tonga Nuku’alofa Mission in various leadership roles from 2014 – 2015. Donna was by his side until his passing. She always said he was the “love of her life”. Together they loved to travel and experience all that life had to offer. He has left lasting memories of enduring love and devotion for Donna which she will always remember.

Steve loved, more than anything, his Savior Jesus Christ. He had a strong faith in Christ’s Atonement and ultimately didn’t fear what would happen to him at his passing. He and Kris not only taught their children the gospel but tried to live it as best they could through each trial and unexpected turn. He tried to be faithful, loyal and true to what he knew was right, and to the gospel. He was excited to see all those who had passed before him and the joyous reunions that would bring. He would always tell his kids “my word is my bond”, and “act don’t react”. He loved BYU football and taught us to “Rise and Shout!” He taught us to take responsibility for our life, to work hard, to put the Lord first in all that we do and the importance of family. This is his foundation and his legacy.

Steve was the father of Matthew (Monica) Johnston, Amy (Brian) Hansen, Laurie (Kevin) Wilson, Dana (Mark) Purcell, and Kathryn (Jeremy) Bailey.

He was the grandfather of 19 grandchildren: Ashley (Trent) Davis, Tyler, Emily, Andrew, Jacob, Paige (Ryan) Christenson, Kallie, Bailey (Tanner) Gines, Jonathon, Jaelyn, Jocelyn, Jaycie, Alyssa, Austin, Anna, Avery, Lucy, Thomas, and Evelyn. He was also a great-grandfather to Aspen, Brighton, and Sawyer.

Through his marriage to Donna, Steve also became an important part of her family which includes Jamie and Mike Melzer (Jake and Hailey), Brian and Crystal Stanworth (Kallie, Kayson, Preston, and Parker), Tammy and Scott Taylor (Kadee Lynn and Jack); and Kevin and Karyn Stanworth (Estelle, Leon, Konrad, Max, and Fiona).

He is survived in life by Donna Summers, and his children and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Francis Johnston and Joann Turner Johnston; his first wife, Kristine Anderson Johnston; and his granddaughter, Lindsey Kate Johnston.

There will be a graveside celebration at Evergreen Cemetery located at 1997 South 400 East Street, Springville Ut 84663 on Saturday October 3rd from 9:00 – 10:00 AM.

His passing marks the end of 75 years filled with family, love, memories, faith, and a legacy that will continue through generations.