Clarence A. (John) Johnston, LCDR, USN

Clarence A. (John) Johnston, LCDR, USN Retired, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, December 21, 2008, at the age of 85. John left behind to cherish his memories, his beloved wife and sweetheart of 54 years, Josephine J. Johnston; three sons: Clay, Michael, Richard, two daughters: Debby Deese and Dorothea Turner and twelve grand children and 21 great grand children. John was born in Boaz, Alabama and retired in Jacksonville living there 38yrs. John served 30 years in Naval Aviation rising from enlisted ranks to Lieutenant Commander. He flew as crew member & CIC officer on numerous anti-Submarine warfare aircraft including the OS2, PBM’s, PBY’s including missions in: the Atlantic from NAS Jacksonville, Fl., Memphis, Tn., Patuxent River, Md., & Glenco, Ga. Pacific duty was Guam, Tinian, Saipan, Iwo Jima, Japan, San Diego & Whidbey Island. Caribbean duty included the Cuban Missile crisis & tracking re-entry of NASA manned space capsules. He flew the North Atlantic barrier in the spy plane Super Constellation from Newfoundland to Greenland, Iceland, Azores, and Pax River. He was deployed on numerous occasions to the Mediterranean & various parts of the world. He was a Masonic member of Wesconnett Lodge & Past Worthy Patron of Eastern Star 247. He was a Shriner with Morocco Temple; Past Captain of Provost Guard, Past President of Golf Assoc., Past President of All-Florida, and was the founder and Commander of Flying Fezz’s. His Military & Masonic career is only overshadowed by his love and devotion to his wife Jo Johnston. They have lived in Jacksonville for the past 38 years since retiring from the Navy. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 pm Saturday, December 27, 2008 in the Broadus-Raines Chapel with Reverend Sam Bennett officiating. Masonic Rites and Military Honors will be conferred at the service. Please sign the family’s online register book at www.broadusraines.com. Cremation arrangements are under the care of Broadus-Raines Funeral Home, 501 Spring St., Green Cove Springs, FL (904) 284-4000.