God had been struggling to find the fish, but he knew someone who knew all the good spots.
Larry James Johns was born, September 14, 1949, to John and Eva Johns of Lebanon, PA. After high school graduation, and at the suggestion of a person in a "judging role", Larry joined the US Air Force, and attended basic training at Lackland AFB Texas. He said the USAF Commandos had the coolest looking uniforms, so he volunteered for that assignment. At 18, Larry served two combat tours in Vietnam, 1967-1969, serving with the 12th Special Operations Squadron, based at Ben Hua Airbase. He served proudly as a member of The Ranch Hands, the unit tasked with spraying the defoliant, Agent Orange, over large swaths of Vietnam, making sure the enemy did not have a place to hide. The Ranch Hand motto – "Only you can prevent forests". Larry was also involved with Forward Ground Control, the predecessor to today's Air Combat Controllers. When Larry was diagnosed with a brain tumor, it really was not a surprise. He was one of the last of the Ranch Hands, and most of them died of other conditions associated with exposure to Agent Orange. Larry was a "soldier's soldier", and his sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Larry was awarded several medals for his service, including the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Devices. He was a hero and a Bad Ass, but you would never hear that from him. He spent his life making things better for those around him.
Larry followed his wartime service stationed at Wright Patterson AFB in Ohio, Mather AFB California, Eielson AFB Alaska, Fairchild AFB Washington, and finally at Ellsworth AFB SD. The B1-B Bomber was his final aircraft, serving as a Phase Dock Chief for the Lancer. Larry hated that airplane, and instead always loved seeing his beloved B-52s take off and return. He always joked about how the B-52 was a real plane, and the B-1 spent too much time broken down.
When Larry was assigned to Eielson AFB in Alaska, he made his way through the woods, hunting, fishing and running a trap-line on the Chena River. There, Larry taught his boys all about hunting, and shot his moose near Three Mile Lake. The stories of what we did are simply too numerous to tell. Alaska provided him the opportunity to do the things he loved. The land of the Midnight Sun always held a special place in his heart.
When Larry retired after 23 years of service in the Air Force, he settled down in Western SD, eventually settling in Ft. Pierre. The draw of the River was just too much. He spent all of his spare time on his boat chasing walleye, winning a tournament or two, and most of all sharing his love of fishing with those willing to jump in his boat.
During his decorated military career, he managed to raise two boys and his daughter. He loved spending his time fishing and later on, fishing with his grandkids. No one will ever be the fisherman he was. If it swam, he was willing to chase it! Taking people out in his boat, and watching them catch fish always put a smile on his face. He especially loved having his grandkids in his boat with him. His 5 grandchildren were his pride and joy, and he loved them dearly! Larry was proud of them, and always loved getting updates on their latest accomplishments.
When Larry was diagnosed with cancer, he could have said no. He could have called it quits, and thrown in the towel. Dad never knew how to quit. Never had it in his system. Right up until the end, the man simply would not quit.
His family and friends are grateful for having shared this amazing journey with Larry; His special friend from Pierre, meant the world to Dad, and shared in the fun and the challenges of the last few years.
Larry may be gone, but he is this family. He will never be gone.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for the Disabled American Veterans.
There will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday, April 17, 2021 from 2:00-4:00pm with a time of sharing starting at 3:00pm at the American Legion in Pierre, SD.
Larry James Johns was born, September 14, 1949, to John and Eva Johns of Lebanon, PA. After high school graduation, and at the suggestion of a person in a "judging role", Larry joined the US Air Force, and attended basic training at Lackland AFB Texas. He said the USAF Commandos had the coolest looking uniforms, so he volunteered for that assignment. At 18, Larry served two combat tours in Vietnam, 1967-1969, serving with the 12th Special Operations Squadron, based at Ben Hua Airbase. He served proudly as a member of The Ranch Hands, the unit tasked with spraying the defoliant, Agent Orange, over large swaths of Vietnam, making sure the enemy did not have a place to hide. The Ranch Hand motto – "Only you can prevent forests". Larry was also involved with Forward Ground Control, the predecessor to today's Air Combat Controllers. When Larry was diagnosed with a brain tumor, it really was not a surprise. He was one of the last of the Ranch Hands, and most of them died of other conditions associated with exposure to Agent Orange. Larry was a "soldier's soldier", and his sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Larry was awarded several medals for his service, including the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Devices. He was a hero and a Bad Ass, but you would never hear that from him. He spent his life making things better for those around him.
Larry followed his wartime service stationed at Wright Patterson AFB in Ohio, Mather AFB California, Eielson AFB Alaska, Fairchild AFB Washington, and finally at Ellsworth AFB SD. The B1-B Bomber was his final aircraft, serving as a Phase Dock Chief for the Lancer. Larry hated that airplane, and instead always loved seeing his beloved B-52s take off and return. He always joked about how the B-52 was a real plane, and the B-1 spent too much time broken down.
When Larry was assigned to Eielson AFB in Alaska, he made his way through the woods, hunting, fishing and running a trap-line on the Chena River. There, Larry taught his boys all about hunting, and shot his moose near Three Mile Lake. The stories of what we did are simply too numerous to tell. Alaska provided him the opportunity to do the things he loved. The land of the Midnight Sun always held a special place in his heart.
When Larry retired after 23 years of service in the Air Force, he settled down in Western SD, eventually settling in Ft. Pierre. The draw of the River was just too much. He spent all of his spare time on his boat chasing walleye, winning a tournament or two, and most of all sharing his love of fishing with those willing to jump in his boat.
During his decorated military career, he managed to raise two boys and his daughter. He loved spending his time fishing and later on, fishing with his grandkids. No one will ever be the fisherman he was. If it swam, he was willing to chase it! Taking people out in his boat, and watching them catch fish always put a smile on his face. He especially loved having his grandkids in his boat with him. His 5 grandchildren were his pride and joy, and he loved them dearly! Larry was proud of them, and always loved getting updates on their latest accomplishments.
When Larry was diagnosed with cancer, he could have said no. He could have called it quits, and thrown in the towel. Dad never knew how to quit. Never had it in his system. Right up until the end, the man simply would not quit.
His family and friends are grateful for having shared this amazing journey with Larry; His special friend from Pierre, meant the world to Dad, and shared in the fun and the challenges of the last few years.
Larry may be gone, but he is this family. He will never be gone.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for the Disabled American Veterans.
There will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday, April 17, 2021 from 2:00-4:00pm with a time of sharing starting at 3:00pm at the American Legion in Pierre, SD.
God had been struggling to find the fish, but he knew someone who knew all the good spots.
Larry James Johns was born, September 14, 1949, to John and Eva Johns of Lebanon, PA. After high school graduation, and at the suggestion of a person in a "judging role", Larry joined the US Air Force, and attended basic training at Lackland AFB Texas. He said the USAF Commandos had the coolest looking uniforms, so he volunteered for that assignment. At 18, Larry served two combat tours in Vietnam, 1967-1969, serving with the 12th Special Operations Squadron, based at Ben Hua Airbase. He served proudly as a member of The Ranch Hands, the unit tasked with spraying the defoliant, Agent Orange, over large swaths of Vietnam, making sure the enemy did not have a place to hide. The Ranch Hand motto – "Only you can prevent forests". Larry was also involved with Forward Ground Control, the predecessor to today's Air Combat Controllers. When Larry was diagnosed with a brain tumor, it really was not a surprise. He was one of the last of the Ranch Hands, and most of them died of other conditions associated with exposure to Agent Orange. Larry was a "soldier's soldier", and his sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Larry was awarded several medals for his service, including the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Devices. He was a hero and a Bad Ass, but you would never hear that from him. He spent his life making things better for those around him.
Larry followed his wartime service stationed at Wright Patterson AFB in Ohio, Mather AFB California, Eielson AFB Alaska, Fairchild AFB Washington, and finally at Ellsworth AFB SD. The B1-B Bomber was his final aircraft, serving as a Phase Dock Chief for the Lancer. Larry hated that airplane, and instead always loved seeing his beloved B-52s take off and return. He always joked about how the B-52 was a real plane, and the B-1 spent too much time broken down.
When Larry was assigned to Eielson AFB in Alaska, he made his way through the woods, hunting, fishing and running a trap-line on the Chena River. There, Larry taught his boys all about hunting, and shot his moose near Three Mile Lake. The stories of what we did are simply too numerous to tell. Alaska provided him the opportunity to do the things he loved. The land of the Midnight Sun always held a special place in his heart.
When Larry retired after 23 years of service in the Air Force, he settled down in Western SD, eventually settling in Ft. Pierre. The draw of the River was just too much. He spent all of his spare time on his boat chasing walleye, winning a tournament or two, and most of all sharing his love of fishing with those willing to jump in his boat.
During his decorated military career, he managed to raise two boys and his daughter. He loved spending his time fishing and later on, fishing with his grandkids. No one will ever be the fisherman he was. If it swam, he was willing to chase it! Taking people out in his boat, and watching them catch fish always put a smile on his face. He especially loved having his grandkids in his boat with him. His 5 grandchildren were his pride and joy, and he loved them dearly! Larry was proud of them, and always loved getting updates on their latest accomplishments.
When Larry was diagnosed with cancer, he could have said no. He could have called it quits, and thrown in the towel. Dad never knew how to quit. Never had it in his system. Right up until the end, the man simply would not quit.
His family and friends are grateful for having shared this amazing journey with Larry; His special friend from Pierre, meant the world to Dad, and shared in the fun and the challenges of the last few years.
Larry may be gone, but he is this family. He will never be gone.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for the Disabled American Veterans.
There will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday, April 17, 2021 from 2:00-4:00pm with a time of sharing starting at 3:00pm at the American Legion in Pierre, SD.
Larry James Johns was born, September 14, 1949, to John and Eva Johns of Lebanon, PA. After high school graduation, and at the suggestion of a person in a "judging role", Larry joined the US Air Force, and attended basic training at Lackland AFB Texas. He said the USAF Commandos had the coolest looking uniforms, so he volunteered for that assignment. At 18, Larry served two combat tours in Vietnam, 1967-1969, serving with the 12th Special Operations Squadron, based at Ben Hua Airbase. He served proudly as a member of The Ranch Hands, the unit tasked with spraying the defoliant, Agent Orange, over large swaths of Vietnam, making sure the enemy did not have a place to hide. The Ranch Hand motto – "Only you can prevent forests". Larry was also involved with Forward Ground Control, the predecessor to today's Air Combat Controllers. When Larry was diagnosed with a brain tumor, it really was not a surprise. He was one of the last of the Ranch Hands, and most of them died of other conditions associated with exposure to Agent Orange. Larry was a "soldier's soldier", and his sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Larry was awarded several medals for his service, including the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Devices. He was a hero and a Bad Ass, but you would never hear that from him. He spent his life making things better for those around him.
Larry followed his wartime service stationed at Wright Patterson AFB in Ohio, Mather AFB California, Eielson AFB Alaska, Fairchild AFB Washington, and finally at Ellsworth AFB SD. The B1-B Bomber was his final aircraft, serving as a Phase Dock Chief for the Lancer. Larry hated that airplane, and instead always loved seeing his beloved B-52s take off and return. He always joked about how the B-52 was a real plane, and the B-1 spent too much time broken down.
When Larry was assigned to Eielson AFB in Alaska, he made his way through the woods, hunting, fishing and running a trap-line on the Chena River. There, Larry taught his boys all about hunting, and shot his moose near Three Mile Lake. The stories of what we did are simply too numerous to tell. Alaska provided him the opportunity to do the things he loved. The land of the Midnight Sun always held a special place in his heart.
When Larry retired after 23 years of service in the Air Force, he settled down in Western SD, eventually settling in Ft. Pierre. The draw of the River was just too much. He spent all of his spare time on his boat chasing walleye, winning a tournament or two, and most of all sharing his love of fishing with those willing to jump in his boat.
During his decorated military career, he managed to raise two boys and his daughter. He loved spending his time fishing and later on, fishing with his grandkids. No one will ever be the fisherman he was. If it swam, he was willing to chase it! Taking people out in his boat, and watching them catch fish always put a smile on his face. He especially loved having his grandkids in his boat with him. His 5 grandchildren were his pride and joy, and he loved them dearly! Larry was proud of them, and always loved getting updates on their latest accomplishments.
When Larry was diagnosed with cancer, he could have said no. He could have called it quits, and thrown in the towel. Dad never knew how to quit. Never had it in his system. Right up until the end, the man simply would not quit.
His family and friends are grateful for having shared this amazing journey with Larry; His special friend from Pierre, meant the world to Dad, and shared in the fun and the challenges of the last few years.
Larry may be gone, but he is this family. He will never be gone.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for the Disabled American Veterans.
There will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday, April 17, 2021 from 2:00-4:00pm with a time of sharing starting at 3:00pm at the American Legion in Pierre, SD.
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