MG Stanley W. Johnston, Sr

On August 16, 2012, Major General (RET) Stanley W. Johnston peacefully went to join God's Army of angels. He was born on March 26, 1921, on a ranch in northern New Mexico, near Clayton in Union County. He attended New Mexico State University where he earned a Master's Degree in Education. MG Johnston moved to Carlsbad in 1952 and has been an outstanding contributing community member for the past 60 years. He taught Vocational Agricultural Education in the Carlsbad Municipal School System from 1952 to 1982. He served in the European Theater during WWII where he earned the Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge and a Bronze Star. He served in Occupation of Japan for 11 months. MG Johnston served 30 plus years in the New Mexico National Guard, Commander of the 111th Brigade and Assistant Adjutant General of the NM National Guard. He is a graduate of the US Army Infantry School; Command and General Staff School, FT Leavenworth, KS; and War College at Carlisle Barracks, PA. He was an active member of the State Committee of NM ESGR and former Chairman of the Southwest Region of New Mexico. Stanley has been a member and president of many civic organizations including the Masons for 68 years, Past Patron of the Order of the Eastern Star, Dad Advisor for Rainbow for Girls, Shrine, Elks Lodge, and Sheriff's Posse. He served on the sales committee for the Eddy County Fair for over 20 years. He served as the State Swine Superintendent at the NM State Fair. MG Johnston has been a member of the First United Methodist Church of Carlsbad for the past 60 years. Stanley is survived by his beloved wife of 69 years, Betty, and five children; Joyce Ann Roberts and her husband, Franklin, of Mansfield, TX; Stanley W. Johnston, Jr, and his wife, Cheryl, of Corrales, NM; Larry Frank Johnston and his wife, Charlene, of Tucson, AZ; Mary Ellen Mullikin and her husband, Jerry, of Pendleton, SC; and Jere David Johnston, and his wife, Susan, of Baton Rouge, LA. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and a host of wonderful caring friends. In lieu of flowers and if so desired, donations may be made to Landsun Caring Hands Fund, 2002 Westridge Road, Carlsbad, NM, 88220. In his final days, Stanley was well cared for and loved by the staff at Landsun Home and Hospice. Visitation will be from 2:30 PM - 5:30 PM, Sunday, August 19, 2012 at Denton-Wood Funeral Home. Funeral Services are scheduled for Monday, August 20, 2012, 11:00 AM at First United Methodist Church, 207 N. Halagueno Street, Carlsbad, NM with Rev. Dan Boyd officiating. Masonic Service will be performed by Eddy Lodge # 21 AF&AM. A Lodge of Sorrow will convene at 10:30 AM, Monday, August 20, 2012 at Eddy 21, 513 N. Canyon Street, Carlsbad, NM. A graveside service will take place Wednesday, August 2, 2012 at 11:15 AM in Santa Fe National Cemetery, Santa Fe, NM with Pastor David Johnston officiating. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences maybe expressed at dentonwood.com