BOMBER MEMORIAL

JOHN EARL JOHNSTON ~ Class of 1951
December 19, 1932 - February 6, 2016

~

John, age 83, passed away peacefully on February 6, 2016, at his home in Gilroy, California. He was born December 19, 1932.

John graduated from Richland's Columbia High Schhool in 1951. He married Betty Duncan in 1953.

He received his BA from Central Washington University, Ellensburg in 1955. He enrolled in ROTC and served 8 years in the U.S. Air Force. They moved to San Jose, CA in 1963 and to Gilroy, CA in 1965 where they remained. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Washington. He was a pilot for TWA for 40 years before retiring as a Captain. He will be missed by all his family and friends.

John was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Duncan Johnston ('52) in 2011.

He is survived by his three daughters: Paula, Teri, and Lisa; his grandchildren: John, Julie, James, and Lacey; and great-grandchildren: John Earl and Kyra Lee; and siblings: Bill Johnston ('55) and Kay Johnston Gameiro ('65).

A Memorial Service celebrating his life was held February 22, 2016, at Habing Family Funeral Home in Gilroy, CA.

His Guest Book will remain online until 3/10/17.

Graveside comital service for both John and Betty was held May 2, 2016, at Desert Lawn Memorial Park in Richland.

Published in the Tri-City Herald on April 29, 2016.