Waldo Wayne Johns, 87 years of age, passed on Saturday morning, November 4, 2023 at his home in Rexburg, Idaho.

Wayne was born July 22, 1936 in Spanish Ranch, California to the late Waldo Owen Johns and Hazel Mae Gibbs. After a few years, he was raised primarily by his paternal grandparents, Fred & Olive Johns.

Wayne was raised in Gridley, California. He played sports: football, and track and field (pole vault, long jump) which he excelled at. He worked as a lifeguard during the summer of his later high school years. He graduated from Gridley Union High School in 1954.

Wayne served in the Air Force during the fifties, and said his most memorable station was in Bermuda.

Wayne met the love of his life, Sharon Kay Sheldahl, in 1961. They met at the Bureau of Reclamation in Sacramento, California and would date for four years before getting married. Wayne and Sharon were married at the Lutheran Church in Roseville, California on July 16, 1965. They would later be sealed together for time and all eternity in the Oakland California Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Dad was raised in the LDS Church and served faithfully as a youth. During his early adult years, there was a time where Dad was a declared agnostic, and actively searched for truth, attending different churches, and studying different theology. His faith would coalesce around the teachings of the LDS Church during his courtship with his future wife, and from that foundation, would build a strong, unwavering testimony of Jesus Christ and His gospel. Dad would serve in
many ways in his church including as a Stake Missionary in Sacramento, Sunday School teacher, Primary teacher, serving in two bishoprics, serving on the High Council, as a financial clerk, and serving in the Temple. Dad loved spending time at the Temple and served there faithfully for years with his wife.

Dad loved the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and had a deep and abiding love for his Savior; and defended Him faithfully and humbly against those who would ridicule him and demean him for those beliefs. That unswerving testimony would be felt and known by his family, friends, and neighbors. He was never judgmental though, trying to be fair and compassionate to opposing ideas. He was one that truly loved others, and was always ready to serve and help when the need arose, even when it was very inconvenient for him. Dad lived in the service of others, especially his family, and thus in the service of God.

Wayne and Sharon had 4 children, and lived in many different places, including, northern and southern California, Salem, Oregon, the Puget Sound area, the TriCities area of Washington State, and finally, Rexburg, Idaho. Dad graduated from college with a degree in accounting. Later he would receive his CPA license, and would work for the Office of Financial Management in Washington State till his retirement. His work ethic was impeccable. He rarely took time off, and would often donate his sick leave to others in need. Dad was a wonderful father and an even better grandfather and great-grandfather, and was faithful and devoted to his wife of 58 years. He loved his wife with his whole heart, mind, and spirit. He was devoted to his children and loved them dearly. He loved spending time with his grandchildren, and at church, would cherish the opportunity to hold different babies and walk them or comfort them any chance he got. His children and grand children in return loved him very much.

Dad had a deep love of learning, and though he found formal education difficult, he never gave up, and persevered to reach his goals. Dad would continue learning throughout his life, and could always be found with books in hand, and with the advent of the internet, enrolled in free online courses on a variety of subjects.

Wayne leaves his loving wife, Sharon, four children, Michael (Kim), Shari (Bill), David (Tanya), and Karen (Dustin); 12 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother and a step-brother, Steven. Dad's wishes were to be cremated. Flamm Funeral Home in Rexburg is handling the arrangements. A celebration of life will be conducted for family and close friends in the spring time of 2024. Information will be forthcoming on this.

This scripture and his favorite poem are dedicated to our husband, father,
grandfather, great-grandfather, friend, and neighbor, Waldo Wayne Johns. We love you Dad.

2 Timothy 4:6-8
For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.

Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous
judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his
appearing.

Abou Ben Alhem

About Ben Ahem (may his tribe increase!)
Awoke one night from a deep dream of peace,
And saw, within the moonlight in his room,
Making it rich, and like a lily in bloom,
An angel writing in a book of gold:—
Exceeding peace had made Ben Adhem bold,
And to the presence in the room he said,
"What writest thou?"—The vision raised its head,
And with a look made of all sweet accord,
Answered, "The names of those who love the Lord."
"And is mine one?" said Abou. "Nay, not so,"
Replied the angel. Abou spoke more low,
But cheerly still; and said, "I pray thee, then,
Write me as one that loves his fellow men."
The angel wrote, and vanished. The next night
It came again with a great wakening light,
And showed the names whom love of God had blest,
And lo! Ben Adhem's name led all the rest.

(Leigh Hunt 1834)