Christopher Michael Johnston

CLEARBROOK, VA -- Mr. Christopher Michael Johnston, age 39, of 151 Tyler Drive, Clearbrook, VA, died Friday, December 13, 2002 in La Plata, Maryland.
Mr. Johnston was born August 29, 1963 in Philadelphia, PA, the son of Joan Anne Olsson Johnston of Charlotte, North Carolina, and the late William L. Johnston. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was a 1981 graduate of South Mecklenburg High School, and a 1985 graduate of The Citadel.
He was a Lt Col in the Marine Corps Reserve and operations officer of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 321 based at Andrews Air Force Base. He flew the FA-18 Hornet and led the squadron's first aircraft patrols into the skies of Washington, D.C. after the attacks of September 11. He was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in May 1985, and received his Naval Aviator wings in August, 1987. He left active duty in 1993 and was hired by United Airlines in November, 1995. He was a graduate of the Navy Fighter Weapons School (Topgun).
In his civilian job, he was a United Airlines pilot, based at Dulles, and flew the Boeing 777.
Mr. Johnston married Susan Kathe Nemanic Johnston on September 19, 1987 in Annapolis, MD.
Surviving with his wife and mother are two daughters, Kate Johnston and Kelsey Johnston, at home, and three sisters, Joanne Hardy of Memphis, TN, Dawn Luck of East Stroudsburg, PA, and Gail Syfert of Charlotte, NC.
A funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Michael Kelly officiating. A graveside service will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday at Forest Lawn East Cemetery, Charlotte, North Carolina.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday at Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Chapel, from 7:00 until 9:00 P.M.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the Chris Johnston Education Trust Fund, c/o Commanding Officer, VMFA-321, MAG 49, Det A, 4th MAW, NAF Washington, 1 San Diego Loop, Bldg. 3148, Andrews AFB, MD 20762-5518.