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Joe Stanley Johnston

Tue, 11/10/2020 - 21:04
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Graveside services for Joe Stanley Johnston were held at 2 p.m. Nov. 9, 2020 at Valliant Cemetery. Noe passed away Nov. 4, 2020, at the age of 66.

Joe Stanley Johnston was born on July 12, 1954 in John Day, Ore., to Billy “Bill” Joe and Mary Elizabeth (Wall) Johnston. Joe was preceded in death by his parents.

Joe was a veteran United States Air Force, serving his country during the Persian Gulf War. His specialty title was Avionics Aerospace Ground Equipment Specialist. Joe received the National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Air Force Longevity Service Award and the Air Force Good Conduct Medal for his service. Upon leaving the Air Force he was hired by General Dynamics/Lockheed Martin. While working for General Dynamics he traveled the world with a team to teach the needed maintenance of the F-16 aircraft. Joe made many friends and acquaintances throughout his travels.

Joe loved scuba diving and did many diving trips in the Gulf of Elat. There he slept on the beaches and made friends with Bedwoin tribes. He would tell stories of waking up on the open beach with some camel breathing in his face. “A stinky mess,” he would say. It was his lifelong dream to come home and live by his parents, so upon his retirement he used his life savings to buy his home and many acres where he enjoyed raising cattle.

Joe loved his country, community, family and friends. He was a man of extreme inner strength and generosity.

Joe suffered a severe stroke and he spent his remaining years in a nursing home. He would say “God give us all strength to withstand the things we all face in these trying times.” Joe’s spirit lives on and he will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Joe is survived by his sister, Loretta Rhodes of Allen, Texas; two nieces, along with many other friends, family and loved ones.

Bro. Johnny Corgill officiated the service, under the direction of Miller & Miller Funeral Home.