Lawrence Carl Johnson

Larry joined the Navy in 1944 at age 17 and served one year on a destroyer escort. He graduated from Fresno State University in 1950 with a BA in Psychology, was commissioned in the US Air Force in 1952, and received his pilot’s wings in 1954. Larry flew both fighter and heavy aircraft. Later, he received an MA in Psychology.

Larry married his beloved wife, Beverly, his sister’s best friend, and they honeymooned in Carmel. Larry and Bev were stationed at McClellan AFB in Sacramento where he flew missions monitoring hydrogen bomb tests in the South Pacific; Kindley AFB in Bermuda, where he flew weather support missions into hurricanes; Clemson University in SC where Larry taught ROTC, and the US Air Force Academy where he was Deputy Commander for Operations.

After retiring from the Air Force, Larry and Bev moved to Carmel in 1973 where their two boys attended Carmel High School. Larry flew numerous aircraft for Del Monte Aviation at Monterey Airport. He was known quite well around Carmel as he walked daily to the Post Office and numerous bistros about town. Many who knew him will miss his intelligent conversation and quick wit.

Larry is survived by his loving family: son, Tim Johnson of Carmel; sister, Irene Milgrom of Turlock, CA; and five grandchildren. Larry was preceded in death by his wife and his son, Scott, in 2003.

A graveside service will be held at Monterey City Cemetery (873 Fremont Street) on Saturday, July 27, 2013 at 11:00 a.m.

The family suggests that any memorial contributions be made to the donor’s favorite charity.