Lawrence Duane Johnson, 85

Lawrence Duane Johnson, 85, passed away April 21, 2015.

Larry was born on Jan. 27, 1930, to Lawrence Evan Johnson and Anne (Grinager) Johnson. He was the fifth of six children, all raised in the Kalispell area. Larry was baptized and confirmed in Bethlehem Lutheran Church. He graduated from Flathead County High School, where he excelled in basketball and track. Larry received an appointment to West Point Military Academy, graduated in 1952, and joined the Air Force. At West Point he competed in track and hurdles, while preparing to defend his country. He returned to Kalispell and married Delphine A. Hanson in July 1952. They celebrated 62 years of marriage last year. 

Larry was a devoted husband and loving father, a role model for his children and grandchildren. Wherever he and Delphine lived, they were active in the Lutheran church and community activities. He was always thankful for and placed the greatest value on his family and friends, many of whom have kept in close touch over the decades of his life.

Larry's Air Force career took his family to Great Falls, Newfoundland, San Antonio, Texas, Dayton, Ohio, the Panama Canal Zone, Tacoma, Washington, and Vacaville, California. While in Ohio, he earned a master’s degree in nuclear engineering. He served in Thailand during the Vietnam War. As a pilot he flew many planes, from fighters to cargo aircraft to small reconnaissance planes in the jungle. After commanding the 8th MAS and managing logistics for the 60th MAW he retired as a colonel in 1980.  

Larry took his love of flying to a second career with Boeing, settling in Puyallup, Washington. He and Delphine made many trips to countries around the world, as he trained airline maintenance personnel for Boeing's customers. Their visits included trips to China, New Zealand, Europe, Indonesia, and several to England and Norway. He retired from Boeing in 1990, and spent the past 25 years with family, woodworking, traveling and attending church and the grandchildren's countless activities and sporting events. Many memorable vacations were taken with family in Kalispell and at Flathead Lake.

Larry is survived by his wife, Delphine, of Puyallup; children, Susan Bartels of Graham, Washington, and Paul of Snoqualmie, Washington; five grandchildren, Lawrence, Valerie, Stephen, Kristin and Brian; his brother, Rod Johnson, of Yakima, Washington; and six nephews.

 Larry was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Johnny, Wendell and Bob; and his sister, Juanita Smith.

There will be a celebration of his life at 2 p.m. today, April 23, at Mountain View Lutheran Church in Edgewood, Washington. He will be interred at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery in Kalispell at 10 a.m. April 25. 

In lieu of flowers, Larry requested that donations be made to the Memorial Fund at Mountain View Lutheran Church.