Lawrence Johnston

1919 - 2015

Lawrence Collins Johnston, Age 95, was born December 3, 1919, in Redvale, Colorado to Guerdon and Jeanette Collins Johnston (deceased). He is now in the present of our Lord as of July 24, 2015 of natural causes in Rancho Mirage, CA. Married November 01, 1941 to Ruth Ames (deceased) of Riverside, CA., for 70 years. Moved to Santa Ana in 1920. Following his marriage in 1941 he lived in Riverside for 37 years. After his retirement he moved to Palm Desert Greens for the past 37 years. Enlisted on December 4, 1939, Army Air Corps, March Field, CA. Served with HQ. 4th AF, San Francisco, CA and Hamilton Field, CA. General orders issued by Army Air Corps that holders of a private pilot license could be rated Liaison pilots. Received his license under Civil Pilot Training in 1941. Assigned to the 69th Observation Sq. (National Guard) San Bernardino and Ontario, CA., 1942. 102nd Obs. Esler Field, Miss. Transferred to 160th Lia. Sq. Brownwood, Texas. Statesboro, GA,., Cross City Florida and Tampa, Florida. Served with the 160th Liaison Sq. 3rd Air Commando Group flying L5 in the Philippine Islands. Returned to Civilian life with medical disability in June 1945. He joined US Postal Service in Riverside, CA in June 1945, retiring in 1978 after 33 years of services. During life time he enjoyed stamp and coin collections, gardening and playing golf. Survivors are his half brother Robert Johnston, Grand Junction, Colorado. Children Kathleen E Hutchens (Paul), Reno, NV, Lawrence C Johnston, Jr. of San Jacinto, CA., and Barbara J May (Michael) of Anza, CA. Grandchildren, Duane Wood (Tammy) of Salinas, CA., Bryan Wood (Merian) of Riverside, CA., Michael W May of Desert Hot Springs, CA., Stephanie J May of Anza, CA. and Erin J Cossack (Brian) of San Jacinto, CA. In addition 8 Great Grandchildren. He preceded in death by his sister Maybelle Snodgrass, brothers Bruce Johnston, and Carl Johnston Hartman, daughter Beatrice Ann Johnston, Great Granddaughter Abbygail Grace Cossack and daughter-in-law Caryl Johnston. A Celebration of Life will be at Southwest Community Church 44175 Washington, Indian Wells, CA 92210 on Friday October 9th, 2015 at 10 am. Special thanks to the staff at Vista Cove. In lieu of flowers, donations to the charity of your choice.

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