Johnnie Lovato

Johnnie Joe Lovato

December 17, 1924 – November 15, 2017

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved father, grandfather (Papa), uncle, brother and friend. Johnnie went to be with the Lord on November 15, 2017 at the awesome age of 92.

Johnnie was born on December 17, 1924 in Vadito, New Mexico to Jose and Esther Santisteven Lovato. He was the second child in a family of eight.

Our father began working at a very young age and always had a strong work ethic that was a legacy passed to his children and grandchildren. He emphasized education and would often tell us that your education will help improve your life. Through his guidance, many of his children and grandchildren have gone on to achieve higher education degrees. The thing that Dad stressed most of all to us was his love for the Lord and this was a belief he inspired in his family throughout the many years.

On September 4, 1948 he married the eternal love of his life Mary Fernandez Lovato and together they loved and raised seven children. Johnnie retired from Hill Air Force Base after 35 years and the last 10 years of his career he was a supervisor for Civil Engineering Railroad Division.

In his spare time he loved being with his family, tending his yard and garden, going camping and traveling the world with his love Mary. They traveled to Europe, the Hawaiian Islands, the Caribbean, the Mexican Riviera and too many adventures to mention. During the Vietnam conflict through his employment he also went to Vietnam and Thailand

Johnnie was a faithful member of Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church, was an active member of the Knights of Columbus and was best known for his participation in church fundraising Bingo night and the calling of B-11 “Two skinny legs!”

Johnnie will be deeply missed by all that knew and loved him. He was generous and kind hearted, loved God, his family and his country.

He is survived by his family: Esther (Tony) Davis, Mark (Anne) Lovato, Shirley (Jim) Herman, Pat (Ivy) Lovato, Jeanette (Ross) Gravette, David Lovato, Lorraine (Ben) Robins. He will be profoundly missed by his 19 grandchildren and his 32 great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, four brothers and four sisters.

Johnnie is preceded in death by his eternal partner Mary F. Lovato, his wonderful grandsons Cameron Davis and Ryan Call, his parents Jose and Esther Santisteven Lovato, step-mother Gertrude Lovato, and brothers Mike Lovato and Lloyd Lovato.

The family would also like to give a sincere thank you to all of Mary and Johnnie’s care providers over the past few years. We are truly grateful for your service.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, November 22, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 210 South Chapel Street, Layton, Utah.  Friends may visit family Tuesday from 6 to 7:00 p.m. at Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 No. Fairfield Road. A Vigil service will be held at 7:00 p.m.

Interment will be at Clearfield City Cemetery.