Larry Wayne Johnson

Larry Wayne Johnson, 72, was the first of six children born to Wayne and Louetta Johnson. He was born October 26, 1950 in Yuba City, California.

His sister Idell arrived in 1952, followed by Jerry in 1954. The family’s dairy farm was flooded out in 1955. They barely made it out, losing their herd, and spent the next year rebuilding. In 1956, Douglas was born then James in 1958. The family moved to Challis, Idaho in 1961 and began raising beef cows. In 1964, Larry’s last sister, Denise was born.

Larry grew up learning about cattle and tractors from his dad. In 1968, his dad was asked to take the shop manager position in Twin Falls, Idaho, and the family moved again. Although the family moved to a house in town, Larry and his older sibling still made extra money bucking hay. The family spent their winter weekends downhill skiing, being transported by an old school bus converted into a motorhome by his dad with his help, The 8 J’s.

Larry finished his high school year in Twin Falls and continued his education at CSI. The CSI Ski Club earned money for trips through projects, Larry and his dad went with the club to the mountains, cutting firewood. Knowing he was coming up on the Vietnam draft, his parents encouraged him to enlist in the Air Force. Effectively, landing him with an assignment in an air tower located in London, England, where he met Jennifer Adcock and her two girls, Susan and Sherry. They married and added a son, Stephan to their family in 1973.

After being honorably discharged, he moved his family to Buhl, Idaho where his parents were living. Larry joined his dad in repairing tractors at Reed’s Case Tractor Repair. Larry and Jenny divorced in 1980.  Larry joined his dad and brother, Doug in riding with the Twin Falls Mounted Sheriff Posse, where they practiced weekly and drilled across Idaho in performances. As part of this team, he was also a member of the Search and Rescue. This is where he met Patty Sheridan, and her son, Robert. They married in 1985 and moved to Filer.

When Reed’s Case was sold to new owners, Larry went out on his own with Johnson’s Mobile Tractor Repair, putting stress on his marriage which then ended in 1992. Larry saw the Sheriff Posse to its end and turned to the Mountain Man Black Powder Rifles Association.  This is where he met the love of his life, Terry Compton. They married in 1997 and Larry inherited a new family with her four sons and their wives and now grandchildren.    

Terry and Larry spent 25 and a half years together. During that time, they purchased and ran TJ’s Lounge, where Larry loved his pool and darts. Their favorite thing, away from the bar, was pulling the trailer up to Featherville for the entire summer where they spent hours visiting with friends, family, riding their side by side, and hosting many events. Other loves were fishing and boating at Anderson Ranch Dam, Salmon Dam, steelhead fishing, and elk hunting in Orofino and hunting in Challis. 

Larry was preceded in death by his dad, Wayne Johnson; brother, Jerry Johnson; and grandparents. He is survived by his wife, Terry; mom, Louetta “Lou” Johnson; son, Stephan (Julie) Johnson; stepchildren, Scott (Evia) Compton, Brent (Rhonda) Compton, Daniel (Stephanie) Compton, Travis (Olivia) Compton; grandchildren, Garrett and Sierra Johnson,  Heather (John) Wade, Cassandra (Tommy) Finch, Michaela Compton,  Ethan (Adrianna) Compton, Ian Compton, Allen (Caylee) Compton, Catrina (Jayson) Wheeler, Katie (Chris) Thompson, Travis (Sarah) Compton, Marian Compton, Joseph Bendele, and Alyssa McGuire; sisters, Idell (Tence) Burden, and Denise (Wayne) Fuller-Boykin; brothers, Doug (Sara) Johnson and James Johnson.  He also leaves behind 14 great grandchildren who loved their Grandpa Larry so very much.  He will be so, so, very missed. 

At Larry’s request, a celebration of life will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, February 18, 2023 at TJ’s Lounge, 112 Broadway Ave South, Buhl. Friends are encouraged to come and visit and remember our wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, son, brother, and friend.

A graveside service with miltary honors will be held at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 3, 2023 at the Snake River Canyon National Cemetery, 1585 E. Elm St., Buhl.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Larry’s memorial webpage at www.farmerfuneralchapel.com.