In Memory of Tallon D. Johnson

Tallon D. Johnson, age 20, of Arthur, Iowa, passed away due to an automobile accident on Wednesday, December 22, 2021.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, December 30, 2021, at the Arthur Evangelical Free Church of Arthur, Iowa. Pastor Dave Schultz will officiate. Committal Services will follow in the Hayes Township Cemetery of Arthur, Iowa. A Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 29, 2021, at the Arthur Evangelical Free Church of Arthur, Iowa.

The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements.  Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

Tallon Dean Johnson captured his family’s heart upon his arrival, November 11, 2001.

He was an extremely easy and happy little boy, who enjoyed being outdoors. During his outdoor adventures Tallon thoroughly enjoyed visiting the black Angus cattle on his family’s farm. Playing with his tractors, wagons, and trucks filled much of his time!

At age 3 ½ years, Tallon moved to Brandon, SD. His adventures continued, developing a love for dinosaurs. Tallon taught himself to be a t-rex, creating his own t-rex voice. He also had a passion for anything and everything Thomas the Train, and Legos. Tallon had amazing creativity and was able to create his own village with LEGOS.

Tallon relocated to Texas at the age of 12 and while living in Texas he realized and showed everyone his incredible athletic ability in football. Tallon had speed that exceeded normal 12-year-old boys. Tallon was beating middle school boys and high-school young men with ease.  He had the ability to gauge where an opponent was going to go, and fast enough to be there to take them down with ease. Tallon’s positions included defensive end, outside linebacker, inside linebacker, and also special teams kick off and kickoff return. He was quick on his feet, and had superior upper body strength. This all from the little boy that did not want to play football.

In 2017 Tallon decided to leave Texas and he returned to Arthur, IA to live with his dad finishing out his high school years. Tallon graduated from OABCIG in 2020. He had a goal. Along with his teammates and brothers for life, that was achieved on November 22, 2019, winning the Class 2-A Iowa High School Football Championship. The OABCIG Falcons, wearing #9, Tallon and his team defeated Waukon 37-12.  It was the first time in history for the school to play in Iowa’s football semifinals and finals. The first time winning it all. A perfect, undefeated season. Tallon motivated his team before games, loudly singing “Should’ve Been A Cowboy”.

After graduation from OABCIG in 2020 Tallon entered Iowa Central Community College, studying diesel mechanics. He absolutely loved everything about diesel mechanics and had an extensive knowledge of his trade. Tallon put it to use, fixing and adding after-market parts to his own diesel trucks. Tallon was all about speed, noise, and appearance of his truck looking it’s best! He also loved to participate in moto-cross racing and later decided to take up the sport of bull riding. In typical Tallon fashion he was good enough to earn a place on the Iowa Central Community College Rodeo Team. He eventually decided to end his place on the team to devote more time to his studies. When free time allowed, Tallon continued to ride in several area rodeos and squeezed in plenty of time for hunting and fishing.

Tallon lived life as full as he could. He left us too soon. When Tallon went to meet his Lord, his family takes great comfort knowing Tallon lived with no regrets. Tallon gave everything he could to everything he did. He loved spending time with family and friends sharing stories and plenty of laughs. Tallon had a huge and generous heart and a sense of humor endearing to so many. He was taught by his parents to be his own unique person, don’t follow but lead in a positive way. Try your hardest to be kind. Tallon did just that. His family continues to be reminded daily of the truly unique, beautiful, kind and talented person he will forever be remembered as.

Left to carry on his memory are his parents  Andrew “Andy” Johnson of Arthur, IA and Suzanne “Suzie” (James) Johnson-Clayton of Buda, TX; brothers Drew (MaKenzie) Johnson of Sioux City, IA and Brysen Clayton of Buda, TX; sister Lydia (Daniel) Billings of Boone, IA; maternal grandparents: Jane Zelinsky of Milford, IA and Ronald Zelinsky of Terrill, IA and Katherine (William) Clayton of Sioux Falls, SD; nieces and nephews: Kyler, Knox, Kenna, and Lyncon; uncles and aunts: Robert (Christy) Zelinsky and their children Riggen, Rhett, and Raesa of Brookings, SD, Ryan (Jen) Zelinsky and their children Emma and Austin of Boise, ID, Debbie (Richard) Hall and children Jane (John) Chaillie of Massena, IA and Bobbie Pruiksma of Columbus, OH, David (Krista) Clayton and their children Tyler and Courtney of Sioux Falls, SD; girlfriend Taya Myers of Preston, IA; numerous extended family and a host of friends.  

Tallon was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Robert and Joyce Johnson; great grandparents: Hazel (Richard) Barth, Ruth (Wilbur) Zelinsky, Enoch (Esther) Johnson, and William (Alice) Boger.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Tallon Johnson Memorial Fund at the First State Bank, 200 Moorehead Ave, PO Box 276, Ida Grove, Iowa, 51445.