Scott Nebeker Johnson, 81, was lovingly welcomed home on September 14, 2025, reunited with his beloved sweetheart, Shirley. Surrounded by family, Scott passed peacefully following complications from a fall.
Scott was born on September 28, 1943, to Wendell Dewitt Johnson and Mary Nebeker Johnson. While in high school, he enjoyed playing basketball, learning the trumpet, and crafting with leather and wood—skills that reflected both his creativity and determination. He spent his entire life in Laketown working on the family ranch. The only time he was away was during two honorable years of military service overseas. In addition to ranching, Scott spent a short time working at the Kemmerer mine.
Scott met the love of his life, Shirley, while at a dance in Fish Haven, Idaho. Their connection was instant, and they dated throughout high school before marrying on June 8, 1962. Their love story continued for decades and was later solemnized in the Logan Temple in March of 2020.
One of Scott and Shirley’s passions was welcoming visitors and making new friends while operating Johnson Lakeshore—now known as Rendezvous Beach State Park.
Early in their marriage, Scott and Shirley endured profound heartbreak with the loss of two premature infants, Leslie and later James. With no children at the time, Scott was drafted into military service during the Vietnam War and departed on February 8, 1966. While serving, he sustained injuries after jumping from a helicopter and was subsequently stationed in Okinawa, Japan. Shirley was able to join him there, and they formed cherished memories with the Okinawan people. During that time, they suffered the loss of premature twin daughters.
Scott completed his military service and was honorably discharged in February of 1968. Upon returning home, the couple experienced another heartbreaking loss before being blessed with the arrival of their son, Richard Scott. Nineteen months later, their daughter, Michelle Rae, completed their family.
In his younger years, Scott served in various callings within the Laketown LDS church. He had a lifelong passion for fast cars and trucks, woodworking, building his cabins--projects that reflected both his craftsmanship and love for the outdoors. Scott had a particular fondness for pinstriping and chrome, famously adding chrome to anything he could, whether it matched or not. His quick wit and knack for one-liners kept everyone laughing, and his humor became one of his most endearing traits.
Scott’s resilience was legendary. After surviving numerous accidents and close calls over the years, his family often joked that he must have had more lives than a cat.
Scott had a deep love for his family and friends. He enjoyed visiting with people, delivering jars of honey to friends, and lending a helping hand wherever needed. He had a flair for the colorful and the quirky, delighting in bright clothes, flashy shoes, multi-colored solar lights, and anything he could decorate his vehicles or cabin walls with. His style was unmistakably his own, and it brought joy, occasional eyerolls, and laughter to those around him.
Since Shirley’s passing in April, Scott felt her absence profoundly. Their bond was enduring, and we find comfort in knowing they are now reunited. Scott’s presence will be deeply missed—his horn honking as he pulled into our driveways, his habit of stealing food off our plates, his spontaneous singing and dancing, the daily stories about the antics of the cats and chickens, and the endless stream of witty one-liners.
Scott is survived by his children, Rick Johnson (Denise) and Michelle Peterson (Justin); six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren who will carry forward his stories, laughter, and love. He is also survived by his sister, Suzanne Arnold; sister, Jeanine (Reed) Mattson; and brother Kent (Jessica) Johnson.
In accordance with Scott’s wishes, a graveside service was held on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at the Laketown cemetery.
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