Raymond Johnston

Raymond Albert Johnston AKA Raymond “AWESOME” Johnston US NAVY 1948-1978 Raymond Johnston was born in Wenatchee, WA along with his twin brother LeRoy Johnston. They graduated from Wenatchee High School in 1947. LeRoy joined the Navy upon graduation. Raymond attended Wenatchee Valley College and played on the first local college organized football team (under coach Doc Conway) in Fall 1947. Raymond Entered US Navy in 1948. Enlisted for four years. Joined his brother in a Navy Patrol Squadron in the Pacific. At the end of enlistment, Korean War was in full swing. President Truman froze all enlistments so Raymond’s service was involuntarily extended indefinitely-Reenlisted for four more years. At the end of the enlistment (8 years service), was in China. Reenlisted again and then decided to make the Navy a career. He Was Promoted to Chief Petty Officer. While on active duty he went to night school whenever duties permitted and graduated from University of LaVerne California. In 1963 was Raymond was fortunate enough to attend Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island. He married June Yasuda in Honolulu Hawaii. They had two children Edward and Lynn-and lived in Wenatchee. The family traveled to the Phillippines for three years- Very educational for his family. He served many years in Aviation squadrons, Destroyer Navy, Amphibious Force, and with duty aboard cruiser USS CHICAGO (CG-11). Interesting places Raymond went: Hawaiian Islands (Oahu, Hawaii) Johnston Island Kwajalein Island Guam Midway Island Okinawa Japan (Yokosuda, Sasebo, Tokyo, Yokohama, Kobe) China (Hong Kong, Kowloon) Vietnam (Da Nang and Rivers) Philippines (Subic, Clark, Manila) Taiwan Rhode Island The Navy was his life and he has no regrets- it was a wonderful experience and career. Raymond remained on active duty until 1978 and retired as Lieutenant Commander. He moved back home to Wenatchee. Worked with Jim Davenport Realtors and managed the family apple ranch at Rock Island. June passed away in 2006. Raymond remarried a wonderful lady and friend, Debra. He volunteered many years with Adult Respite Day Care Center and Wenatchee bowling associations (local and state). Member of Apollo Club. Life member of Military Officers Assn of America, American Legion, and Veterans of Foreign Wars. Constant Visitor with Vets serving Vets (a very valuable and supportive organization. Proceding his death we his parents Claude and Barbara and his twin brother Le Roy. Raymond is survived by his wife Debra, his children Edward Johnston (Kime), Lynn Newell (Kevin), Jennifer Cook (Rob), Jaime Ewing -McFall. Grandchildren, Brandon, Stacey, Derek, Alyssa, Cameron, Addy, Ava, Olivia and John Thomas. Four Great Grandchildren. Celebration of Life at 11am Monday June 14th at Eastmont Baptist Church 400 S Kentucky Ave. East Wenatchee WA. Graveside service with Military Honors to follow at Evergreen Memorial Park. In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the Apollo Club or Vets Serving Vets in Wenatchee. There will be a reception to follow, to RSVP please contact Debbie Volkmann at (509) 679-5292.

Tributes

Raymond Johnston

June 28, 1929 - June 5, 2021