Charles Johnson Obituary

Charles "Dennis" Johnson passed away on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at his home in Crapo, Maryland.

Born in Logan, Utah, on April 28, 1946, Dennis was the son of Charles R. Johnson, Jr., and Alice Mae Dennis. From an early age, he was known for his happy-go-lucky spirit and easy friendship. As a boy, Dennis loved swimming, fishing in the Logan River, camping under the stars-whether in the backyard or up Logan Canyon-and playing baseball and marbles with the neighborhood gang. He proudly took second place in the city marble tournament and was a devoted Boy Scout. One of his most vivid childhood memories was the 1959 Yellowstone earthquake, which he experienced while on a Scout trip. While his family back home worried, Dennis thought the whole thing was a great adventure.

When he was 16, his family relocated to Easton, Maryland, where he graduated from Easton High School in 1965. His first job was driving an ice cream truck across the Oxford-Bellevue Ferry to Oxford, bringing smiles to children each day. He went on to work at Startt's Grocery in Easton, where he learned the art of butchering and delivered groceries to locals. He also worked at the Oxford Boatyard and later at Dickerson Boat Builders in Trappe, where he became known for his skill in painting and restoring teak wood. These experiences led him to open his own business, Dennis Johnson Mobile Marine, where he specialized in boat restoration and brightwork. He took great pride in his work and eventually retired to the quiet of Crapo, Maryland.

Dennis was a people person through and through-friendly, talkative, and always eager to connect. He never liked to miss out on anything. As his brother-in-law fondly recalled, if Dennis was invited to dinner, he'd show up five hours early just so he didn't miss anything. His joyful presence, warm laugh, and genuine interest in others made him a welcome and familiar face wherever he went.

Dennis was highly trained in martial arts, studying at the Dieter Academy of Martial Arts for over ten years in the late 80s and 90s. He held advanced certifications in CQD (Close Quarter Defense), training Navy SEALs in hand-to-hand combat and other tactical training techniques. He was a significant member of the Hero Community Program for 20 years; a program that provides empowerment and positive mentorship to under-resourced children and families. Dennis assisted many times in supporting the growth of these youth in their development and achievements. As an avid fan of combat sports and rarely missed a televised boxing match or MMA fight.

Dennis's heart belonged to the outdoors. A true waterman, he fished, hunted, crabbed, and trapped-always happiest on the water or in the woods. Whether he was tracking sika deer, reeling in rockfish, or pulling up oysters, Dennis was at home in nature. He owned a boat for years and loved being out on the water. Though he built a life in Maryland, he made regular trips back to Utah, where he especially enjoyed hunting with his dad, visiting family and friends, and hiking to his favorite fishing hole.

Dennis also had a soft spot for animals, especially his dachshunds-Penny, Buddy, and Sadie-who were his loyal companions over the years and thoroughly spoiled with love.

He will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, steadfast work ethic, deep love for the outdoors, and the warmth he brought into every room.

Dennis is survived by three siblings: Cathy Ann Coates (Max), Millville, Utah; Charles Johnson (Carolyn), Easton, Maryland; and Christy Johnson (Darrell), Easton, Maryland; eleven nieces and nephews, and seven great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a niece, and a nephew.

A visitation will be held on August 4, 2025 from 6-8 p.m. at Newcomb and Collins Funeral Home, Cambridge.

Interment will be in the Logan, Utah Cemetery at a later date.