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BORN

1938

DIED

2025

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Johnson Mortuary & Desert Lawn Memorial Park

1415 South 1st Ave

Yuma, Arizona

VERNON JOHNSTON Obituary

VERNON LEE

JOHNSTON

May 4, 1938 – Nov. 25, 2025

Vernon Lee Johnston (Pop) passed away at the age of 87 years old. He was born in Wewoka, OK on May 4, 1938 and passed away on November 25, 2025. He was a Yuma Union High School graduate - Class of 1956.

Vernon was a living testament to a good life lived well. He was known for his ability to fix anything, which can be attested by his success in every position he held. From picking cotton in a field as a young boy, driving a tractor by the age of twelve, and working in cantaloupe sheds to joining the Navy for four years, Vernon committed himself to every task where he saw a need.

Vernon married the love of his life, Jimee, on May 6, 1961. He spent over 15 years driving trucks and self-promoted himself to be a mechanic, a dispatcher, and all around MacGyver on the side. After retiring in 2000, Vernon and Jimee bought a 5th wheel and were able to travel extensively.

Vernon was preceded in death by his parents, Louis Medford and Oweta Johnston, his sisters, Peggy and Polly. He is survived by his wife, Jimee, his brother, Philip (Joyce), his two sons, Duane and Michael (Shannon), his five grandchildren, Travis, Russell, Hunter, Ashton, and Kandyce, and his nieces.

Vernon was laid to rest at Desert Lawn Memorial Park in Yuma, AZ on December 8, 2025.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Imperial Valley Press Online on Dec. 31, 2025.

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3 Entries

Philip champagne 3rd

January 3, 2026

Sry for the loss. Was a great man from what I remember as a kid.

Tammy Hensley

December 30, 2025

RIP VERNON...You will be missed. Thanks for being my dads friend and then our family friend.

Debbie Roth

December 30, 2025

Vernon was my Grandpa also. He was an amazingly kind man who was always ready to teach us something new, to show how something worked. When we were unsure of something in the world he was always rock steady support and positivity. He was a fine example of what a family man should be and we can all only hope to find a love like Vernon and Jimie have had. He will be greatly missed
Love Debbie Roth

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