Vernon Ernest Johnston

Vernon Ernest Johnston
April 26th, 1928– July 26th, 2021
Vernon Ernest Johnston, 93 years old, of Nampa, Idaho left this world peacefully on July 26th, 2021 after a courageous battle with a terminal illness. His strength and dignity are an inspiration to all that shared in his care.
Vernon was born to Elmer Odrea and Margaret (Mae)Johnston on April 26th, 1928, at home on Castle Creek in Oreana, Idaho where he was the fourth of six children. His early years were full of hard work on the ranch alongside his family moving cattle, haying and many shenanigans carried out by Vernon and his brother Sheral. Including, but not limited to the time they got even with the hired hand. After driving nails into a box that the hired hand was known to sit on during his lunch, Vernon and Sheral laid in wait. Once the man in question sat in respite the boys wound the magneto they had wired to the nails and lit the poor man’s pants on fire.
Vernon graduated from Grandview High School in 1946, at which time he acquired a 1938 Harley Davidson motorcycle. He loved to ride the desert moving cattle and exploring, which he did until 1950 when he was drafted into the United State Army. He fought overseas during the Korean Conflict where he was a light weapons infantryman in the 45th Infantry. Vernon fought bravely for his country and received two Purple Heart Awards.
After returning from the service he resumed his life on the ranch in Oreana, Idaho. In 1956 at Mercy Hospital in Nampa he met the love of his life Helen Christine Serratos. They married on June 7th, 1957, and moved to Oreana, Idaho, where they began their family and a lifetime of adventures. Helen and Vernon relocated with their little family to a variety of homes across the Treasure Valley, eventually settling in Nampa during their retirement years under the care of their son Mark.
Vernon and Helen had a wonderful life together full of laughter and fun, rich, poor, or otherwise. He was so loved and will be dearly missed; Vernon asked that in lieu of flowers please make donations to the Oreana Community Hall to help fund their restoration efforts.
Vernon was preceded in death by the love of his life Helen Johnston, his parents Elmer Odrea and Margaret (Mae) Johnston, and siblings David, Kathlene, Peggy, Sheral, and Betty.
He is survived by his beloved Siamese cat, Poodie; children: Debbie Marston, husband Ted; Mike Johnston, wife Anita; Mark Johnston; Pat Johnston, wife Kim. Grandchildren: Anne VanWassenhove, husband Seth; Mason Adney, wife Antonia; Shelbie Brito, husband Storm; Tristan Johnston; Cameron Johnston, and Grayson Johnston. Great-grandchildren: Elizabeth, Samuel, Sophie, Jacob, Lucas and numerous nieces & nephews.
The family would like to recognize Jaymi from Homewatch Caregivers as well as Rick and Harold with Horizon Hospice. Their kindness and guidance to Vernon and the family over the last year has been remarkable and will be cherished.

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