Frank Scott Johnson, 79

On Aug. 13, 2020, Scott Johnson passed away while reading from his laptop — his favorite pastime. His passing was very peaceful — he had his two dogs by his side and his favorite view in front of him. Scott was 79 years old.

Scott was born in Tacoma, Washington, on Oct. 10, 1941, to Frank and Barbara (Scott) Johnson. At the age of 6 months he moved with his mother to Steeleville, Missouri, while his father headed west to Burma.

Scott graduated from Westminster College, Fulton, Missouri, in 1963 with a degree in political science and a commission in the U.S. Army.

Scott and Katherine Johnson (Dierks) were married on Sept. 6, 1969, in Kirkwood, Missouri. They spent the next 50-plus years traveling the world together while planning their forever home in Kalispell.

After serving in the U.S. Army for 25 years, he retired as a lieutenant colonel in 1988, attended Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, graduating in 1992 with an Master of Business Administration degree, and started a career with several defense contractors.

He completed two tours in Vietnam, taught ROTC at Southwest Missouri State (now Missouri State University Springfield), and spent a total of 10 years at Fort Lewis, Washington, four years in Hawaii, and five years in Germany. He attended Airborne and Ranger schools, and completed the Career Course at Fort Benning, Georgia.

Scott was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Meritorious Service Medal with one Silver Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal with Valour, National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Oversea Service Ribbon, Oversea Service Bars (four), Combat Infantry Badge, Expert Infantry Badge, Parachute Badge, and Ranger Tab.

He enjoyed reading, fishing, camping and hunting — especially birds with his steady companion, the German shorthair pointer Good Golly Miss Molly.

He is survived by his wife, Katherine Johnson, and sister, Ellen Jefferies, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by parents Frank and Barbara (Scott) Johnson, and brother, Kent Johnson.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Scott’s memory to Flathead Wildlife Inc., P.O. Box 4, Kalispell, MT 59903.

Scott’s life will be celebrated on Aug. 13 at 2 p.m. at the family home, The Red Boot Ranch. For inquiries, call Katherine at 406-261-1584.