10/06/2026
We are sad to report the passing of a Millard County legend, retired Sgt. T. Ross Johnson from Holden, Utah. Ross was a colleague and friend to many; he retired with 33 years of service to MCSO. Ross worked patrol in the 70's, piloted our airplane, and dedicated much of his career to running the jail in the 80’s, 90’s and into the 2000’s.
Forrest Roper, Chief Deputy (Retired) said: “I watched, and was occasionally entertained by, the rough and gruff exterior he presented to staff, inmates and sometimes the public while he was the Jail Commander. That was not Ross in reality, but it worked for him in that environment. He added: “I flew with Ross many times. He was meticulous in his flight plans, and always safety oriented in that part of his undertakings. I will miss him.”
Sheriff Ed Phillips (Retired) said Ross was extremely well liked throughout the county, and had a very good knowledge of the west desert area along with area around Delta. “I’ve never known anybody with a stronger work ethic. Ross was extremely loyal to his employer Millard County. I’ve not known many who had more natural athletic ability than Ross had.” Ross was a track and field star at Weber State University; he ran the hurdles. He was a great fastpitch softball pitcher as well. Good at about anything he tried, even golf.
Phillips flew a lot of trips with Ross. “We used it for extraditions on anything west of the Mississippi we used it for search and rescue. We used it during the wildfires directing the ground attack on wildfires. Some flying for other sheriff’s offices.” Phillips added, “Ross served in a lot of capacities for me, doing well at whatever assignment he was given.” In closing he said, “I don’t know what else to say other than he was a true and loyal friend to me and extremely valuable employee. His basic honesty matched his work ethic.”
Godspeed friend. Hopefully you can cut some Cedar posts again.
https://www.millardccp.com/articles/obituaries/thurman-ross-johnson-january-1-1944-october-4-2026/
