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Dr. Dale K. Johns passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, April 2, 2019. Dr. Johns was born on July 15, 1930 to Howard and Fern Johns of Youngstown, OH. He received his bachelor's degree from THE Ohio State University, followed by a DVM from OSU. He was a First Lieutenant in the Army Reserves Veterinary Corp until being honorably discharged on June 14, 1963. He then received his medical degree from Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans, LA in 1960. He went on to complete a residency and fellowship in Neurosurgery and began practicing in 1966 in Miami, FL. He and his family relocated to Destin, FL in 1992 and he began a thriving practice. In Miami, he pursued his life-long dream of becoming a sailor. He purchased his first sailboat, the Lusty Lady, and completed an around-the-world voyage. In 1978, he met Kathy Rowan, a cardiovascular ICU nurse at Palmetto Hospital in Miami. They were married March 16, 1982. They shared 37 years of love, partnership and adventure.
In addition to sailing around the world, Dr. Johns sought exploration in every corner of the world. He visited every continent and over 80 countries. He was part of an expedition to New Guinea to discover a new tribe. Together, he and Kathy led a life of unbelievable adventure. They completed a 21-day trek to the Everest Base Camp, Nepal, in 1983. They shipwrecked their sailboat, the Endeavor, in the Red Sea off of Sudan, were rescued by a Norwegian cargo ship and brought to Port Said, Egypt. Their journeys together were unparalleled.
Dr. Johns was a devoted physician for 59 years. He was well-respected and appreciated by his colleagues and patients. He truly loved his work, his patients and making a positive impact on people's lives.
Dr. Johns is survived by his wife, Kathy, his children Ann (John), Dale Jr., Jessica and Devon, two grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Marilyn, of Santa Fe, NM. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend who touched and saved countless lives.
He is also survived by his favorite pet, a wolf-husky mix named Koda. He had a soft-spot in his heart for all things wolf.
A Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held Thursday, April 25, at WaterVue in Fort Walton Beach, FL. The memorial service will be at 5pm, followed by a reception from 5:30 to 7:30pm. WaterVue is located at 203 Brooks St SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to:
The Cleveland Clinic Foundation: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/giving
The Human Society of the United States: secure.humanesociety.org/Donate
Seacrest Wolf Preserve: https://seacrestwolfpreserve.org/helpus/
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Emerald Coast Funeral Home.
I know this is rather late, but an Army reunion earlier this year brought to mind Dr. Johns and I looked him up online. I was leading a detachment of US Army combat engineers at Ras Banas, Egypt in October 1982. My journal entry follows:
"We had guests today, Dr. Dale Johns, his fiance, and his yacht's captain. They'd run aground not far from here and were fighting their way through the bureaucracy trying to salvage their vessel. Dr. Johns was from Miami. It was as if they were castaways and we found them. They stayed for lunch. It was amazing. I don't know who was happier at meeting Americans, us or them."
Lunch was probably C-rations! It was such memorable event to meet Dr. Johns and his party that a couple of my soldiers brought up the incident at the reunion, and we all recalled it fondly. Doctor, the men of Charlie Company, 547th Engineer Battalion wish you peace.
John Czarzasty, Major, US Army, Retired
Other
November 27, 2023
Hard to believe you are gone. Your compassion and diligence in taking care of Ed will never be forgotten. Ed finally has the spine stimulator you fought so hard to get for him and it is WORKING. We are forever greatful. God bless.
Lorie Moore-Reents
Acquaintance
April 11, 2020
Dr. John's was a wonderful colleague to myself Leslie Escoffery RN and my husband, Dr. William Escoffery. Dr. John's was an outstanding neurosurgeon as he resolved a couple of serious neurological issues. We have remained friends for many years. We were very sorry to hear of his passing. God be with you and Peace to your family
DR. & Mrs. Leslie Escoffery
May 9, 2019
Rejeana Gvillo
April 22, 2019
Dale was a friend and neighbor while we were at Ohio State, and again later in New Orleans. He set the bar forever for my once unrealistic expectations of a friend and confidante. We were always friends in spirit.
His adventurousness and great ear were hard to match. He went on to do marvelous things for himself, his family, his patients. I was never surprised at what new story he could own. He made it very hard for new friends to match! He lived a wonderful and well-deserved life and I will never forget his spiritual contributions to my life!
Jo Anna Evans Fye Kalber
April 21, 2019
I am so sorry to hear of Dr John's passing! He was a wonderful man and Dr....he helped me and my husband so much and always enjoyed coming to see him and hearing his stories! Will miss him and always will be in our heart....RIP Dr Johns
KAREN MAHER
April 21, 2019
As you remember your love one, as God heals your broken hearts (Psalm 147:3), may your treasured memories continue to bring you peace, comfort, and strength to endure.
April 20, 2019
I knew Dr. johns from palmetto general hospital as a p.t.asistant,P.T, med student, and even connected at a spine surgery conference during my spine surgery fellowship.Caring surgeon,dedicated,a mentor. RIP kind Sir.
Michael Higgins DO,FAOAO
April 20, 2019
I worked with Dr. Johns at Palmetto General Hospital, He was a kind ,compassionate , caring man. Sincere condolences to his entire family, may God be with you in this time of great sadness. Nancy Winston
nancy inston
April 20, 2019
I am so sorry for your loss. May you find comfort and peace in knowing that God cares for you and will help you in your time of need. 1 Peter 5 : 7
G B
April 20, 2019
Amazing Life
Surrounded by so many Friends and Family
Sympathy and Condolence
Marie Hurd
April 19, 2019
He was my doctor and took the time to really listen to me,and my troubles .A very kind and compassionate man that made you always feel at ease. I will miss his stories and advice.
Randy Morse
April 18, 2019
In this sorrowful time, we would like to extend to you our heartfelt condolences. May our Lord comfort you and your loved ones.
Lt. Col. Michael H. Sarra, USA, (ret.)
April 18, 2019
May Dr. Johns Rest in Peace as he deserves. I remember him from his residency at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami and later in practice with another great doctor, Basil Yates. Both were great and outstanding neurosurgeons.
G. Arango-Harper
April 18, 2019
May Dr. Johns rest in peace. He was a wonderful doctor, patriot and gentleman.
The Foster's
April 18, 2019
My condolences to the family and staff of Dr.Johns. Doctor Johns helped my son Bruce Smith heal from a horrific automobile accident. I loved going with my son to see Doctor Johns and hear all of his wonderful stories of encouragement. One of his best stories what is how he decided to marry his wife after they're sailing boat accident and he said they were wet and cold standing alone on a rock and he told her he was sorry and she said well it's not that bad and he told us at that moment he knew that if they made it off that rock alive he was going to marry her! So many wonderful wonderful stories, he will be truly missed by us. We're saying many prayers for you and your family.
Cynthia Smith
April 17, 2019
I cannot begin to put into words what an interesting, smart and genuinely wonderful man was Dr. Johns. I could listen to him for hours about all his great adventures, his work experiences, and his perceptions on just about anything. But what really made Dr. Johns so special was the genuine interest he took in others. No matter your upkeep or background, he wanted to know about you. The world is a smaller place without Dr. Johns. I have and will always look up to this great man and will forever be so grateful for the caring friendship the Johns family has always extended to my family, and in particular to my parents, Tom and Melissa Young. Rest In Peace Dr. Johns
Douglas Young
April 17, 2019
yvonne schumacher
April 17, 2019
Sincere condolences to the family, staff, and friends. Dr. Johns was always so kind to my boyfriend. His heart was full of love for all his patients and we are devastated by his passing. He is deeply missed.
Lorie Moore
April 17, 2019
I'm truly sorry for your loss.My God in his love and compassion lift you thorough your grief Isaiah 63:9
April 17, 2019
My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Dr. Johns. May you "hope" in the God of all comfort to strengthen and console your hearts. (Psalm 27:14)
April 16, 2019
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