Mark S. Johnson

US Air Force MSgt (Ret.) Mark Steven Johnson, 68, of Fort Walton Beach, FL, passed away on Monday, September 22, 2025. Mark was born in Des Moines, IA on September 27, 1956, to Richard & Barbara Johnson. He attended Fort Walton Beach High School c/o 1974. Mark married his childhood sweetheart, Denise, on January 13, 1979. Together they had two beautiful daughters Brandi & Ashley.

Mark began his military career in 1974 in the Army. After learning the Army wasn't for him, and the completion of his 3-year commitment, he then enlisted into the Air Force Reserve in 1978, serving 6 years. Next, he transferred to Active-Duty Air Force and became a cornerstone of the AFSOC community. Serving as a trusted mentor with vast knowledge for the variety of gunships he flew on as an Evaluator Aerial Gunner on the AC-130A, AC-130H, and AC-130U. From Spectre to Spooky, Mark had almost 10,000 flight hours with multiple deployments and missions to include: OPERATION JUST CAUSE, OPERATION DESERT STORM, Peacekeeping Operations in Somalia, and THE GLOBAL WAR ON TERROR; all served out of Hurlburt Field. A perfectly placed ribbon rack filled beyond capacity with so many well-deserved awards and decorations easily filled his blues.

Throughout his astounding Military Career, and the years after his second Air Force Retirement in 2009, Mark enjoyed time with family, friends, and those friends who became family from going camping, to Disney trips, balconies with bourbon, and backyard BBQ's. Mark made the most of every moment with those he loved. He will forever be remembered for his amazing personality, honesty, kindness, listening ear followed by solid advice, calmness under extreme pressure, funny pranks and jokes, and not being able to go anywhere without running into someone who had the honor of serving by his side. His most recent promotion of becoming a Gpa was one of his greatest joys. He and Adalynn shared such a beautiful bond – full of laughter from tickles, hugs, and unconditional love. He will always be her most favorite person. Mark was an outstanding crew member, loyal friend, loving husband, father, brother, uncle, and Gpa; a man that all could look up to.

Mark is survived by his wife, Denise, of 46 years, daughters; Brandi (Alex) Hotto and Ashley (Dale) Johnson, granddaughter; Adalynn Hotto, Siblings; Laurie Reese, Kelly (Ray) Carlstrom, Julia (John-Ross) Summers, Nieces and Nephews; Barbara, Chris, Donnie, David, Ryan, Kelsey, Madison, Morgan, JT, Alli, Shailen, Chloe, Skylee, Sofia, Michael, Lily, and Layna, many cousins and all those that Mark became a bonus brother, uncle, father or grandfather too. Mark was proceeded by his mother; Barbara, grandparents Clement and Pearl, mom; Geri, uncle; Bob, bother in law; Ed, sister in law; Donna, and father; Richard, nephew; Roy III. and many fellow crew members.

If you're not Spectre/Spooky… you ain't SHIT!

GHOSTRIDER, ALL GUNS SAFE AND CLEAR…

Celebration of Life for MSgt (Ret) Mark "Silver-Back" Johnson

Please join us at Emerald Coast Funeral Home as we honor and celebrate the life of Mark Johnson on Monday, September 29, 2025.

Visitation and Viewing

The family will begin receiving visitors at 10:00 AM, with a public viewing to follow.

Celebration of Life Service

Services will begin at 11:00 AM, immediately followed by a graveside ceremony with Military Honors rendered by the Hurlburt Field Honor Guard at Beal Memorial Cemetery.

Reception

Family, friends, and fellow crew members are invited to continue the celebration at Pallet Bar and Grill following the graveside service where food and drinks will be available for you to purchase.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Air Commando Association in Mark's honor.