WA/DL Capt. Kenneth L. Johnson

Kenneth Layne (Ken) Johnson (1932 - 2012)

Kenneth Layne (Ken) Johnson passed away quietly at his Palm Desert home on March 25, 2012 at the age of 79. Kenny, as he was affectionately called by his wife of 31 years, Sheryl Mills Johnson, was born on April 16, 1932 in Ogden, Utah to Vernal & Thelma Johnson. Ken is survived by his wife, Sheryl, six children, Nancy Whitlock, Utah, David K Johnson, Utah, Sandra Staub, North Carolina, Laura Cappelletti, Camarillo, Calif., Scott Mills, San Francisco and Kristin Mills, Maui, Hawaii. Also surviving are several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. In addition, Ken leaves four sisters and two brothers. Son, Dennis Johnson, and two brothers predeceased him. After residing in Rancho Mirage, Calif., for 29 years, Sheryl and Ken recently moved to Palm Desert where Ken continued to be "The Captain of his own Ship!" Retiring as a Captain from Western Airlines in 1986 where he spent the previous 25 years, and prior to that with Hawaiian Airlines, Ken always prided himself with his love of the airways. With a twinkle in his China Blue eyes he would talk about his love of the US Navy, of which he entered in 1950 and where he attained AD3 (Aviation Machinist's Mate Third Class) and the devout love of airplanes! Ken was honorably discharged from the US Navy, 1954, in San Ysidro, Calif. where he continued his Flight Instruction. Captain Ken's quick wit and total sense of humor will be missed on Thursday mornings by his wingmen at the Old Bold Pilots Club, as well as his innumerable friends at the Palm Springs
Published in The Desert Sun on April 3, 2012

~ IN MEMORY ~ 

Captain Kenneth Layne Johnson

1932 ~ 2012

Word has been received of the passing of WA/DL pilot Captain Ken Johnson.  Born at Ogden, Utah on April 16, 1932 Kenneth Layne Johnson was 79 years of age at the time of his passing March 25, 2012.  Ken hired on with Western 02-24-1961 and was based LAX.  Ken had been battling cancer for some time now and had recently been under the care of hospice.  He is survived by his wife Sheryl.  Personal condolences may be sent to Ken’s family at the home address

78309 Melody Lane , Palm Desert, CA 92211-1822  ...  (760) 346-5573

Arrangements are pending and will be advised when known.

Thank you,

Carol 

From: Dick Deeds Sent: Thursday, March 29, 2012 4:43 PM     Subject: Passing of WAL/DAL Captain Ken Johnson

It is with sorrow that I pass along this info on a good friends passing.
Dick

Hi Dick,

It is with a heavy heart that I write that Kenny passed into the arms of Our Lord on March 25, 2012.  More information will follow. 

Sincerely,
Sheryl Johnson

===========================

From: Dick Deeds    Sent: Sunday, February 12, 2012 1:21 PM     Subject: Ken Johnson

From the Wallybird

I received the following message from Sheryl Johnson, Ken Johnson's wife.

Hi Dick. How do I post a message about my husband, Ken Johnson, hired
on with WAL in 1961? He has been in Hospice Care since November. He
has fought a long battle with cancer for almost 8 years and now in the
last stages. Please pray for him for God to take him West and to the
big piano bar in the sky. With love, Sheryl Johnson

I'm sure Sheryl and Ken would appreciate and messages or cards at this
time. Their information is:
Address:
Sheryl & Ken Johnson
78309 Melody Lane
Palm Desert, CA 92211
Email:kjohn82646@aol.comDick

Elks Club where he enjoyed "cutting the rug". Along with his love of flying and dancing, Kenny was an avid golfer, fisherman, tennis player - all of these led him to the outdoors of which he totally enjoyed. Sheryl has asked in lieu of flowers donations be made to Odyssey Hospice, 71-777 San Jacinto St. Suite 102, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 for the kind and loving care they consistently gave during Ken's valiant fight against cancer. Services are private.