George L. Johnston

"George L. Johnston, a native of Bessemer, AL and a resident of Baton Rouge, LA, passed away on June 23, 2017 at the age of 88. George joined the U.S. Navy at the age of 15, and served from January 1944 to September 1944. He was honorably discharged when they discovered his age. In December 1945, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps at the age of 17 and was honorably discharged in 1952 after serving in China and Guam. After returning to Baton Rouge, he joined the Baton Rouge City Police Department where he served in many areas including the motorcycle division, photography, and evidence. He is perhaps the only BR policeman to have progressed through all the ranks, ending his career as chief of the department after Mayor "Woody" Dumas had appointed him to that position. Once retired, he let his hair and beard grow "“ "He was retired!" The first hobby that he engaged in after retirement was customizing and showing a VW bug. Once he reached the top of his class nationwide multiple times, he moved on to a Dodge van, then on to a tricked out motorcycle. Another hobby was woodworking, where he taught himself to craft beautiful trunks, desks, wagons, and exquisite boxes from unique woods. These he would gift to family and friends. He had many other hobbies and abilities including being a 32 degree Mason, a proud owner of many Harley Davidson motorcycles (until about 10 years ago), once holding a private pilot license, and a coin collector and dealer. But the two words that would always bring a smile to his face were JP and Matt, his Grandsons. He was very proud of both of them and their accomplishments as they grew into young men. He is survived by daughter, Jackie Nielsen and husband Niels of Spring, TX; grandsons, JP Nielsen and wife Taryn of San Antonio, TX, and Matt Nielsen of San Antonio; brothers-in-law, Marion Mascarella and Fr. Pat Mascarella, both of Baton Rouge, Tom Mascarella and wife Pat of Fairborn, OH, and Nino Mascarella and wife Wilma of North Carolina; sisters-in-law, Hazel Mascarella of Baton Rouge, and Joyce Mascarella of Slaughter, LA; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by wife, Mary M. Johnston; granddaughter, Sarah M. Nielsen; father, James Johnston; mother, Ruby M. Hopper; step-father, Rex Hopper; sister, Lorraine Williems; and a younger brother. Also preceding him in death were brothers-in-law, Vince Mascarella, Samuel Mascarella, and Callie Mascarella; sisters-in-law, Sarah Mascarella and Josie Johnstone. Visitation will be Friday, June 30, 2017 at Rabenhorst Funeral Home Downtown, 825 Government St., from 9:00 a.m. until a service at 11:00. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be JP Nielsen, Matt Nielsen, Danny Denison, Mike Mascarella, Kyle Denison, and Bryant Denison. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The National World War II Museum, 945 Magazine St., New Orleans, LA.