W.R. "Johnny" Johnston

W.R. “Johnny” Johnston was born on April 13, 1919, and died July 22, 2015. He was born in St. Joseph, Missouri, to John and Julie Johnston and was the youngest of four children. He was raised by his mother, with his father passing when Johnny was young. Although the Depression years were hard and life was humble, mother Julie was not short with love, and Johnny grew up with the ever-present message “Aren’t we rich.” She was the first of three very significant women in his life. His pre-teen and teen years were filled with Catholic and public schools with Johnny enjoying physical activities more than studying. He excelled in sports, and the school nuns taught all to dance. Oh boy, how he loved sports and dancing. With the start of WWII, he joined the Navy, was stationed at Shelton with a Naval Air squadron, and became the “go-to guy” for electrical repair. More than once, he repeated this thought, “Don’t let me screw up and get somebody killed.” His duty stations followed the fleet through the big events in the South Pacific. During the war years, he met and married Gladys Mary Reid, the second significant woman of his life, and they had 57 years together. They were blessed with one son, Douglas. The final significant woman in his life was Charlotte Kilde and they began the “Fun Club.” They were devoted to each other. What fun they had with traveling, cruises, Dixieland adventures, and just good times. For six months, Johnny lived at the Panorama Convalescence Center, where the staff made him feel so loved. More than once he said, “Our family has been blessed.” Johnny is survived by his son, Douglas (wife Nancy); grandson, Ryan, Captain USMC, (wife Claudia); and granddaughters, Lauren, Army Specialist, and Katharine, studying to be an electrician. Johnny’s family wishes to thank all those who blessed his life. Please leave memories of Johnny or condolences for his family in the Guestbook below.