Roy Warren Johnston

Cmdr Roy Warren Johnston, USN retired, age 85, son of Roy Nelson and Mable Arvilla Way Johnston died at home on Tuesday, October 25, 2016, while surrounded by his family.Funeral services will be at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, October 29, 2016 at First Presbyterian Church in South Sioux City, NE with Rev. Stephen S. Niles officiating. Burial with military rites will be in Rose Hill Cemetery in Pender, NE. Visitation will begin at 5:00 P.M., with the family present at 6:00 P.M. and a prayer service at 7:00 P.M. on Friday, October 28, 2016 at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of Mohr Funeral Home in South Sioux City, NE.Roy grew up on 160 acre farm in rural Dakota County, Waterbury, NE that his great-grandfather, Hezikiah Way homesteaded after serving in the Civil War. He graduated from Allen High School in 1949, joined the U.S. Navy in 1951 and was discharged in 1976. He was a retired U.S. Naval Aviator of 25 years, was the first pilot launched in the Gulf of Tonkin Battle, credited with 290 carrier landings and was a training officer throughout his career in the Navy. Roy married Carol LeAnn McQuistan of Emerson on July 7, 1957 and they had one son, Roy Michael in 1961. He retired in 1976, moved back to South Sioux City, NE and became the Dakota County Veterans Service Officer in 1985, retiring in 2000. Roy served and organized AM VETS Post #1, commanded and was Vice Commander of American Legion Post 307 and 10753 Hirschbach-Watson VFW Post. He also served as a search and rescue pilot with the Air Force Civil Air Patrol in Sioux City. He was a dedicated husband for 59 years and was also a Hospice volunteer.Survivors include his wife, Carol LeAnn Johnston of South Sioux City, NE; son, Roy Michael (Ellen) Johnston of Blair, NE; grandchildren, Melissa Ann Amen, Roy Matthew (Kelli) Johnston, Alek Michael (Monica) Johnston and Ashlyn Anna (Lucas) Stoddard; 4 great-grandchildren, Kayah, Mackenzie, Remi and Roy Hunter; and a brother, Robin Johnston of Kansas.Roy was preceded in death by his parents, Roy Nelson and Mabel Way Johnston; his step-mother, Granny Fuzz; a grandson, Josh Amen, daughter-in-law, Luann; and 2 brothers, Willard and Wesley.