Douglas Wayne Johnston

Douglas Wayne Johnston (Doug) was born on January 22, 1934, in Hobart Indiana. While in high school, Doug played French Horn in the nationally recognized Hobart Brickies marching band and later served as drum major. After graduating from high school in 1951, Doug enlisted in the United States Air Force where he desired to become an aerial photographer or tail gunner. However, because he had received training in computers, the Air Force assigned him a technical role. Thus, Doug served 20 years as a Computer Specialist in the USAF with assignments in Germany and Korea, and several stateside assignments including serving under the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon. In 1969, SMSGT Doug W. Johnston was selected as Outstanding Airman of the Year for distinguished service to Aerospace Power with the Air Force Data Systems Design Center.

After retiring from the Air Force, Doug moved from Washington D. C. to San Diego to work for the Navy as the Technical Director of the Naval Regional Data Automation Center and the Technical Director of the Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station, San Diego. Subsequently, he was appointed as Director of the Defense Information Systems Agency’s Megacenter when the Department of Defense consolidated the military computer centers. Doug retired from the Megacenter in 1995.

Always wishing to serve God, country or fellow human being, Doug petitioned for membership in the Masonic Lodge and was raised as Master Mason on June 18, 1988. On July 2, 2001, Doug was selected for the Hiram Award which is presented to a Master Mason who has served the Lodge and the Masonic Fraternity with devotion over and above the ordinary. It is the highest that can be bestowed on a member of a Masonic Lodge. Doug served as Master of Spreckels Lodge in 1992 and 1997, as well as serving as Lodge Secretary from 1998 through 2002. He was appointed as Inspector of the 492nd Masonic District in 1998 by the Grand Lodge of California and served through December 2006.

Doug joined the Scottish Rite in 1989 and entered the Chapter of Rose Croix officer line in 1996. He received the Rank and Decoration of Knight Commander of the Court of Honour in October 1999. On December 20, 2003, Doug was coroneted with the Rank and Dignity of a 33o Inspector General Honorary. He was elected as Wise Master of the Chapter of Rose Croix for the year 2001, as well as serving as Manager of the Operations Division for the year 2001. He initiated the Scottish Rite sponsored, “County Wide Masonic Information Night” and served as its chairman for four years.

In 1996, Doug joined Al Bahr Shrine and served in the Shrine’s, “Tin Lizzie Parade Unit” in 2003.” Tin Lizzie” is a nickname for dilapidated Model T Ford automobiles. The Tin Lizzie Parade unit drove ¼ scale model T’s. Driving down the parade route in what appeared to be haphazard circles, with wildly decorated cars was a tremendous crowd pleaser. The kids got especially excited when the Lizzies passed by, and that was the point. Collectively, the Masonic Family contributes over $2 million dollars each DAY to take care of children, all without charge. This includes the Shriner hospitals, burn clinics, eye and speech disorder clinics, and transportation in special vans to the various facilities. In 2006, Doug was elected and served as President of the Tin Lizzies.

Throughout his many moves, Doug would join a local church and frequently was asked to serve as a deacon. Doug was a devoted Christian and loved the Lord and his Church Family.

Doug’s legacy of devotion to God, Country and Family has been passed on to his eight children, 20 grandchildren, 51 great grandchildren and one great, great grandchild.

Doug is survived by his wife of over 30 years, Penny Johnston, his youngest sister, Karol Curtis of San Dimas Ca., and half-brothers Chaplain Walter Dean Johnston of Oregon and James Johnston of Indiana.