Willard Max Johnston, 80, passed away peacefully at home in Concrete, WA on February 6, 2023. He was born on October 24, 1942, the son of Grady and Binnie (Bridges) Johnston in Madisonville, Tennessee.
Max attended Eugene High School (what is now South Eugene High) until 1960, Class of 1961, before joining the United States Marines.
He was in the United States Marine Corps from 1960 – 1964 as a Radio Telegraph Operator. In October of 1961 his unit was sent to Vietnam and didn’t return until November of 1962. Upon injuring himself falling from a telephone pole, he was medically discharged.
In 1961, in Eugene, Oregon, Max married Faye Jean Ridenour, with whom he shares his son Darrin.
After his honorable discharge from the Marine Corps, Max started his “dream job” as a police officer. He served over 20 years, but had to medically retire in 1986 from Medina, WA.
In 1982 Max married Lorna Leigh Green, whom he shares daughters Stephanie and Tamara.
Willard is survived by his son, Darrin (Leona) Johnston; daughters, Stephanie (David) Gutierrez, Tamara (Duncan) Johnston; siblings, Taylor Johnston, Goss (Shannon) Johnston, Carolyn Hooper, Pat Radway, Barry Johnston, Robbie Seabolt, Grady (Veronica) Johnston, Stayce Davis, Graylin (Kimberly) Johnston, Gaylen Johnston, and Guy Johnston; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He will be affectionately remembered by over 10 grand and great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, William J. Johnston.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, February 26, 2023 at 1:00pm at Lake Cavanaugh Community Center, 35022 South Shore Dr., Mt. Vernon, WA 98274. Share memories of Max and sign the online guest register. The family is asking in lieu of flowers, donations for funeral costs can be made directly to Lemley Chapel.
Darrin, Leona and children
We are so very sorry to hear of the loss of your your father. He is with the LORD JESUS CHRIST, in the very best of loving care.
One day you will meet again on the other side and your father will have many of your loving relatives who have gone before, anxiously awaiting you. In the SPIRIT of ChRIST.
Max was my cousin. First met him and his family when we moved from NC to Oregon in 1955 and his parents let our family (6 kids) crash in their home with 6 kids until we found our own home a few days later. We all grew up together and became not just cousins but great friends. Love you Max. Give my sweetheart a hug for me in heaven.
A very special man.
Max was a member of our Skagit Valley Marine Corps League, Detachment 1043. He was a good man! RIP Max. May God bless and keep you. Semper Fi Brother. Prayers being sent to his family & friends!
I remember Max fondly. He was my brother-in-law when I knew him. A very kind and funny man with a heart of gold. My sincere condolences to his family.