Homer Wendell Johns

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Homer Wendell Johns, 93, on October 1, 2024. Homer was born in Baltimore, Maryland to the late George G. Johns and Anna L. Johns, and is preceded in death by his sister Betty Ann Norman and brother George Garratt Johns, Jr. He is survived by his wife Barbara, daughter Carole, son David, daughter-in-law Christa, his grandchildren Aaron, Addison, and Aiden, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Homer received his engineering degree from Virginia Tech and went on to serve in the US Army from 1952 to 1955 where he was awarded three Bronze Stars along with several service medals. Following his service, he embarked on his career with the federal government. His passion, however, was as a volunteer firefighter with Fairfax County where he dedicated 57 years of his life serving the Great Falls and McLean communities. In 1967, he joined the McLean Volunteer Fire Department, and later joined the Great Falls VFD in 1971. He was a life member at both McLean and Great Falls, where he served as chief, in addition to other administrative official positions for decades. He also served as a member of the Old Dominion Historical Fire Society and the antique fire truck parade at the annual Apple Blossom Festival for several years.

A celebration of life will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. on November 16, 2024 at the Old Firehouse Center at McLean, 1440 Chain Bridge Rd, McLean, VA 22101.

In Lieu of Flowers, contributions will be welcomed at the Great Falls Fire Department, https://www.greatfallsvfd.org/donate.html or the McLean Volunteer Fire Department https://mcleanvfd.org/support-us/