Asa Johnston

Asa Robert Johnston, age 89 of Vernal passed away at Ashley Regional Medical Center on May4, 2012. He was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on August 16, 1922 to Robert Lewis and Pearl Oakley Johnston. He graduated from Uintah High School in 1940 at attended college for a short time, but returned home to Jensen to help his father run the family farm. Asa served in WWII after enlisting for service to his country in 1942. He was honorably discharged in 1945. He was a Private First Class for the United States Marine Corps where he participated in five engagements that included action against the enemy at Tarawa Atoll on the B.G.I., Saipan and Guam on the Marianas Islands, Iwo Jima on the Volcano Islands, and Okinawa on the Ryukyu Islands. He received the Bronze Star for heroic achievement during action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima. His commendation read, When major wire lines were destroyed by hostile artillery fire, Private First Class Johnston braved the enemy fire lines. By his courage and devotion to duty, he contributed to the maintenance of communications and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. Asa married Emma Jean Workman on July 17th, 1951 in Reno, Nevada. Together they had 5 children. Asa had a variety of jobs throughout his long life, but his favorite and the job he truly loved was working at the golf course. He eventually took a job driving truck, which he enjoyed and did for several years. He later became a front end alignment technician for Superior Tire Service until the closed their doors. He was a member of the American Legion and a charter member of the Elks. At the age of 12, Asa received a Bronze Medal Commendation from the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission for saving the life of Ezra Merkley from drowning in the Green River in Jensen, Utah. Asa was a gifted athlete and he participated in sports during his school years and later became an avid and accomplished golfer, which he continued to play into his 80s. He so loved sports that after starting his family in Jensen; they decided to move to Vernal so his children would have all the opportunities to participate in activities. Asa loved tending to his garden. He always had the most beautiful garden and always had plenty to share with anyone who came to visit. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing and the outdoors. He loved his family with all his heart. His greatest joy in his later years was the times he had at family gatherings and visits from the kids, grandkids and great-grandkids. He loved all of them equally, but he held most dear his granddaughters who could do no wrong. Asa is survived by his wife; Jean, children; Bill Johnston, Kim Mowry, Gayle (Dan) Smuin, Gina (Tom) Reese, Rafe (Tammy) Johnston. He is preceded in death by his parents. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 9, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at the Blackburn Vernal Mortuary with a viewing 1 hour prior. Burial will be in the Rockpoint Cemetery with military honors by the American Legion Post 124 and 11 and the Utah Army National Guard. Services were entrusted to the care of the Blackburn Vernal Mortuary.