Laurence Ralph Johns
July 19, 1935 - May 3, 2008
July 19, 1935 - May 3, 2008
05.03.08
Laurence Ralph Johns, 72, a 31-year resident of Fairfield, died peacefully in the arms of his two sons, Mark and Michael, Saturday, May 3, 2008, at NorthBay Medical Center, Fairfield, after a long and noble battle with colon cancer. That morning was the inaugural Kids Day of Fishing for Travis AFB attended by more than 350 people. Larry, a retired CMSGT USAF veteran with 30 years of highly decorated service, received a plaque in absentia attesting to his heroism and strength.
This devoted father and American hero, Korean and Vietnam War veteran and patriot, was born as the only child to Leon R. Johns and Alice B. Johns, July 19, 1935, in Chandler, Arizona.
While on active duty in Bittburg, Germany, Larry was smitten at site and married the love of his life, Anni Johns on May 1, 1959.
Larry completed senior NCO academy and obtained a bachelor’s degree from the University of Phoenix and was incredibly well-read and intellectually vibrant.
In 1968, Larry Johns received the Air Force’s highest award for heroism not involving enemy conflict performed at the risk of one’s own life. Such selflessness marked Larry’s entire life as his love of children, especially the disabled and underprivileged, carried him to the highest level of local Kiwanis executive leadership as immediate past Lieutenant Governor of Region 8. He was a lifetime member of the Lyons club, a scoutmaster, baseball coach and football coach, and sponsored Little League teams through his business Mail Mart Plus consecutively for 21 years.
Larry was co-founder, with his son, Michael, owner of Mail Mart Plus in Fairfield, of Kids Day of Fishing, a nonprofit organization consisting of a group of dedicated volunteers empowering disabled and underprivileged kids and families through fun outdoor activities and other community events to build confidence and life skills to enrich their lives.
Larry accomplished one of life’s greatest goals: to be his sons’ hero. He was this for many of us; owing to his can do attitude, commitment to the right and unselfishness in serving those with less. God has gained a great humanitarian and CMSGT for the compassion and can do corps in heaven. He was an example of integrity, determination and sincere heartfelt caring for others and the community. He did not believe in giving up. He believed in commitment no matter how many obstacles he faced and left behind legacy of love, family, commitment and dedication.
Larry is survived by his wife, his children and their families: Lee and Pauline Johns, Mark and Lita Johns, and Michael Johns; his grandchildren, Leon Johns, Jennifer Holt, Robert Johns, Jessica Johns, and Angelina Johns; and his great-grandchildren, Christopher Thevenot, Josephine Cribbs, and Autumn Cribbs.
Viewing is from noon to 1 p.m. May 13, 2008, at Fairfield Funeral Home, 1750 Pennsylvania Ave., Fairfield. Funeral services with full military honors follows at 1:30 p.m. at Sacramento Valley VA National Cemetery, 5810 Midway Road, Dixon.
The family requests that any memorial donations be to Kid’s Day of Fishing Inc., 340-2 Travis Blvd., PMB 320 Fairfield, Ca., 94533, www.kidsday offishing.org, or a donation can be made to any of our local Kiwanis Clubs or one’s favorite charity.
Well done, dear friend, those of us who passed through the tale of your comet have been enriched.
--Dr. Kevin Ryan
This devoted father and American hero, Korean and Vietnam War veteran and patriot, was born as the only child to Leon R. Johns and Alice B. Johns, July 19, 1935, in Chandler, Arizona.
While on active duty in Bittburg, Germany, Larry was smitten at site and married the love of his life, Anni Johns on May 1, 1959.
Larry completed senior NCO academy and obtained a bachelor’s degree from the University of Phoenix and was incredibly well-read and intellectually vibrant.
In 1968, Larry Johns received the Air Force’s highest award for heroism not involving enemy conflict performed at the risk of one’s own life. Such selflessness marked Larry’s entire life as his love of children, especially the disabled and underprivileged, carried him to the highest level of local Kiwanis executive leadership as immediate past Lieutenant Governor of Region 8. He was a lifetime member of the Lyons club, a scoutmaster, baseball coach and football coach, and sponsored Little League teams through his business Mail Mart Plus consecutively for 21 years.
Larry was co-founder, with his son, Michael, owner of Mail Mart Plus in Fairfield, of Kids Day of Fishing, a nonprofit organization consisting of a group of dedicated volunteers empowering disabled and underprivileged kids and families through fun outdoor activities and other community events to build confidence and life skills to enrich their lives.
Larry accomplished one of life’s greatest goals: to be his sons’ hero. He was this for many of us; owing to his can do attitude, commitment to the right and unselfishness in serving those with less. God has gained a great humanitarian and CMSGT for the compassion and can do corps in heaven. He was an example of integrity, determination and sincere heartfelt caring for others and the community. He did not believe in giving up. He believed in commitment no matter how many obstacles he faced and left behind legacy of love, family, commitment and dedication.
Larry is survived by his wife, his children and their families: Lee and Pauline Johns, Mark and Lita Johns, and Michael Johns; his grandchildren, Leon Johns, Jennifer Holt, Robert Johns, Jessica Johns, and Angelina Johns; and his great-grandchildren, Christopher Thevenot, Josephine Cribbs, and Autumn Cribbs.
Viewing is from noon to 1 p.m. May 13, 2008, at Fairfield Funeral Home, 1750 Pennsylvania Ave., Fairfield. Funeral services with full military honors follows at 1:30 p.m. at Sacramento Valley VA National Cemetery, 5810 Midway Road, Dixon.
The family requests that any memorial donations be to Kid’s Day of Fishing Inc., 340-2 Travis Blvd., PMB 320 Fairfield, Ca., 94533, www.kidsday offishing.org, or a donation can be made to any of our local Kiwanis Clubs or one’s favorite charity.
Well done, dear friend, those of us who passed through the tale of your comet have been enriched.
--Dr. Kevin Ryan
