<p><p>Thane Anthony Johnson, 37, passed away on Saturday, June 27, 2026 in Johnstown, Colorado. </p><br> <p>Thane was born on December 13, 1988, at 10:43 p.m. in Wheatland, Wyoming, to Janice Johnson. He was welcomed into the world by his Aunt Nett, who had the honor of being there for his arrival. The day was especially meaningful to his Grandma Joyce, as her first grandson was born on her birthday—a bond they shared and cherished throughout his life. He was also welcomed with love by his Papa Jack, Great-Grandma Alice, many aunts and uncles, and countless cousins.</p><br> <p>Raised by his devoted mother, Thane spent much of his early childhood on the family ranch with Great-Grandma Alice. It was there that his lifelong love of the outdoors began. As a little boy, he could usually be found surrounded by animals—dogs, cats, horses, and cattle. He was adventurous, energetic, and never one to sit still.</p><br> <p>At three and four years old, Thane attended Piccadilly Playschool before starting kindergarten at West Elementary with Mrs. Bednasek. He adored his teacher, although she may not have appreciated his enthusiasm for acting out Westerns in the classroom quite as much as he did.</p><br> <p>By the time he was eight years old, Thane had become Papa Jack's faithful sidekick. Together they hunted and fished whenever they could. As soon as he was old enough, he completed Hunter Safety and eagerly anticipated every hunting season. Deer and elk hunts became treasured traditions, especially the annual Jackson hunt, but he was always ready for dove season or a quiet afternoon at a favorite fishing hole.</p><br> <p>Thane's love for horses was just as strong. Around the age of 13, he bought his first horse, Ihon, and spent countless hours riding, helping with branding alongside family and cousins, and working on the ranch. When he wasn't at the ranch, he was making memories with neighborhood friends—riding bikes, building bike trails, and spending endless summer days on the trampoline.</p><br> <p>As he grew older, those bikes gave way to dirt bikes, then cars. Alongside his many friends through junior high and high school, Thane spent hours tinkering in garages. Whether they actually got the vehicles running was another story, but they always managed to have plenty of laughs along the way. Stereo systems were swapped more often than engines, and those friendships created memories that lasted a lifetime.</p><br> <p>On January 24, 2005, Janice married Grady Faris, and later that year, on October 13, 2005 Thane became a big brother when Skyla was born. Although nearly 17 years separated them, he embraced his role wholeheartedly. He loved holding her as a baby, playing horse with her as a toddler, and taking her along on adventures whenever he could as she grew older.</p><br> <p>During his junior year of high school, Thane attended prom and participated in a Quinceañera celebration with friends. Those events perfectly suited his fun-loving spirit. He loved to laugh, make others laugh, and was always at the center of the good times—and probably a little harmless mischief.</p><br> <p>After turning 18, Thane began working on the pipeline, launching the career that would become his passion. Though his heart never left the ranch, he loved the excitement of the oilfield—the hard work, the camaraderie, the travel, and especially the opportunity to spend his days outdoors.</p><br> <p>On May 25, 2012, Thane welcomed his first son, Wyatt. He loved his boy deeply and treasured every opportunity they had together.</p><br> <p>His career eventually took him to North Dakota, where he entered the oil patch and, in 2014, met the love of his life, Ashley, in Watford City. He often said she "just might be the one," and from that moment on, he never stopped pursuing her heart. Together they shared a love that was impossible to miss. Their playful banter, quick wit, and deep affection complemented one another perfectly, and anyone who spent time with them could see the love they shared. In 2015, they returned home to Wyoming to start their life together.</p><br> <p>On January 9, 2018, they welcomed their first son together, Slayder. They were married on July 28, 2018, in the church at Esterbrook, Wyoming. Their son Hoyt was born on March 8, 2021, and two years later they welcomed their daughter, Thaley Ann, on September 26, 2023.</p><br> <p>Thane loved his work in the oilfield and took great pride in what he did. He was highly respected by those he worked alongside, and many who had the privilege of working under his leadership said he was the best boss they ever had. He led with patience, compassion, and respect, always taking the time to teach others and help them succeed. He believed in lifting people up, sharing his knowledge, and making sure everyone went home safely. His crew knew they could count on him—not only as a leader but as a friend.</p><br> <p>But nothing brought Thane greater happiness than being with his wife and children. They were the center of his world. He was a proud and devoted father who never missed an opportunity to support his children. Whether they were on the field, in the arena, or at any sporting event, Thane could always be found cheering them on from the sidelines. He celebrated their accomplishments, encouraged them through every challenge, and treasured every moment he spent watching them grow.</p><br> <p>Whenever he was home, Thane could usually be found back where he belonged—on the ranch. He loved being on the back of a horse working cattle, spending time hunting and fishing, and sharing those experiences with family and friends. The ranch was more than a place to him; it was home, and it was where his heart was happiest.</p><br> <p>Thane was truly one of a kind. He had a heart of gold, a contagious smile, and a personality that left a lasting impression on everyone he met. He was the kind of man who would give you the shirt off his back, never hesitated to lend a helping hand, and made friends wherever he went. He loved deeply, laughed often, worked hard, and lived life to the fullest. His legacy lives on in the family he adored, the friends he cherished, the lives he touched, and the countless memories he leaves behind. He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.</p><br> <p>Thane is survived by his wife, Ashley Rhyne Johnson; children, Wyatt Johnson, Slayder Johnson, Hoyt Johnson, and Thaley Ann Johnson; mother, Janice (Grady) Faris; sister, Skyla Faris; grandfather, Jack Johnson; grandmother, Joyce Lein; aunt, Joanette Wardell; and cousin, Jackie (Cameron) Wallace and their children, Starlynn, Lelia, and Liam; cousins, Jamie Wardell and Cherokee Huston and her son, Emmett Huston.</p><br> <p>He was preceded in death by his great grandfather, Richard Johnson; great grandmother, Alice Johnson; great grandfather, William Sauer Sr.; and cousin Zeke Wardell.</p><br> <p>A funeral service for Thane will be held at 2:00 P.M. Friday, July 3, 2026 at the First Christian Church in Wheatland, Wyoming with Pastor Casey Schroeder officiating. Inurnment will be held at the Johnson Ranch near Wheatland.</p><br> <p>The Gorman Funeral Homes – Platte Chapel of Wheatland are in charge of the arrangements.</p><br> <p>Condolences may be sent to the family at www.gormanfh.com</p> <p> </p> </p>
December 13, 1988 - June 27, 202612/13/198806/27/2026
4 trees planted in memory of THANE ANTHONY JOHNSON.
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Linda
July 3
In loving memory of THANE ANTHONY JOHNSON. So sorry for your loss, thinking of you all and keeping you in my Heart, my Thoughts and my Prayers.
Love you Joyce and love to your family,
1 memorial tree was planted in memory of THANE ANTHONY JOHNSON. Plant a tree
M
Michelle Rumsey
July 3
So very sorry for your loss! Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
1 memorial tree was planted in memory of THANE ANTHONY JOHNSON. Plant a tree
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Matt & Jeannie Webster
July 1
Although we are far away, we will hold you close in our thoughts and in our hearts today and always.
GARDEN PATH was purchased for the family of THANE ANTHONY JOHNSON. Send flowers
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Brian and Leslie Boaz
July 1
Janice,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you
DISH GARDEN WITH FRESH FLOWERS was purchased for the family of THANE ANTHONY JOHNSON. Send flowers
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Kypp Weatherill, Brian and Leslie Boaz
July 1
Ashley,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
BASKET GARDEN was purchased for the family of THANE ANTHONY JOHNSON. Send flowers
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Rowdy, Lacy & Dennis Brooks
July 1
We are thinking of you during this difficult time.
1 memorial tree was planted in memory of THANE ANTHONY JOHNSON. Plant a tree
R
Rowdy, Lacy & Dennis Brooks
July 1
We are thinking of you during this difficult time.
Designer's Choice Bouquet was purchased for the family of THANE ANTHONY JOHNSON. Send flowers
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Johannah Niemi
June 30
Janice and family, my deepest sympathies for you all.
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Brian Bates
June 30
I am so sorry for your loss. You are all in my prayers.
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The staff at Gorman Funeral Homes
June 29
We plant this tree as a living memorial to THANE. We are deeply sorry for your loss.
1 memorial tree was planted in memory of THANE ANTHONY JOHNSON. Plant a tree
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