Johnston, Robert "Ed"
Retired Staff Sergeant Robert "Ed" Johnston died peacefully in Mike O’Callaghan Federal Medical Center on Saturday 8 April 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada at the age of 64.
Ed is survived by his wife; Mary (Short) Johnston; children; Zois (Tracey) Johnston of Lake Tapps, Washington, James (Angie) Johnston of Vancouver, Washington; Eddie Lee (Beverly) of Belpre, Ohio; Jeanna Johnston of Phoenix, Arizona; Stacey (Stanley) Holder of Corpus Christi, Texas; 2 brothers; Arnold Johnston of Coolville, Ohio & Henry Lee Taylor of Belpre, Ohio, 14 grandchildren & several nieces & nephews. He is preceded in death by father, Henry Taylor I of Belpre, Ohio; Mother, Jean (Johnston) Taylor of Belpre, Ohio; sister, Pamela Rehs of Springfield, Ohio; & grandson, AJ of Grand Forks, ND.
Ed was born on 7 May 1952 in Bluefield, West Virginia to Jean Johnston. He joined the United Stated Air Force in 1972, served in the Vietnam War and earned a Bronze Star. He retired from the Air Force in 1992. He was followed into the Air Force by his niece Denise (Kevin) Sherrill of Oklahoma City, OK. He married Mary Short, the absolute love of his life in 1974. After moving to multiple locations around the world, they settled in Stanley, New Mexico. Ed began working for the Department of Defense as a transportation specialist and retired in 2013.
Ed was an accomplished sportsman and often taught people to hunt. He was a dedicated Christian who loved the Lord and who was passionate about educating and encouraging others. He touched many lives and will be deeply missed. He was an active and dedicated member of the Tramway Community Church and often volunteered for the Men’s Retreats. Ed enjoyed riding his motorcycle with the Patriot Riders.
A memorial is scheduled for Tuesday, June 27, 2017 in the Tramway Community Church at 10:00 am in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with a reception to follow. Pastor Norman Gardner, Ed’s hunting buddy, residing in Denver, Colorado will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Ed’s life.