The family of Herbert Lewis Johnston, Jr. (Lew), USMC, has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to attend the Military Honors of their loved one as he makes his final journey. It will be our honor to do so.
Lew was born 13 September 1953 in Kansas City, MO and passed away 27 September 2020 at the age of 67 years old. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Patrice, and their three children, James Johnston, Cherie Johnston, and Vanessa (Mike) Wickham. Lew also leaves behind his grandson Isaiah Navarro and his sister Patricia Johnston, among many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and their many children.
Lew served in the USMC from 1970 to 1971, during the Vietnam War. Lew was honorably discharged as a Private.
After leaving the Marine Corp., Lew had a very successful career within the industrial piping supply industry. Ultimately, he became President of Orange County Windustrial and served on the Board of Directors of several other Win Supply companies until his retirement in January 2018.
Lew enjoyed spending time with his family and his beloved pets. His hobbies included reading, fishing, camping, scuba diving, and was on an off-road race team. In his later years, Lew's passion was assisting with Military Children's Charity (MCC), which was founded by his grandson, Isaiah, to acknowledge and recognize the children of the U.S. military.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. For those interested, and all are welcome, we will be accompanying the hero and his family from the church service to his final resting place. Please see the time table if you would like to participate. For those who would rather go directly to the cemetery, we will meet you there.
NOTE: Please observe the latest “COVID-19” restrictions.TIMELINE FOR TUESDAY, 20 OCTOBER 2020:0945 - Stage at La Purisima Catholic Church 11712 N. Hewes St. Orange CA 92869.
https://goo.gl/maps/yQ8nzCrHjTcz91YA61015 - Mission Briefing
1055 - Flag line as our Hero is brought from the church building to the coach
1100 - KSU to Riverside National Cemetery 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA 92518.
https://goo.gl/maps/yUpaFRiXyyyCuRWSA1230 - ETA arrival at Riverside National Cemetery (Missing man and Family staging at Staging Area 1, Remainder of PGR Stage at Staging Area 8.)
1300 – KSU to assigned Shelter
Brenda “Pebbles” Bixler
So Cal PGR Ride Captain
Bixler.brenda@yahoo.com951-522-6847
You do not have to be a Veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. Everyone is welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your car. If this will be your first mission go to the initial staging area and you will be briefed there by the R/C (Ride Captain). Dress for motorcycle riding or dress casually if you are driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
Please remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent, and with honor and respect for our Heroes. No talking, smoking, or cell phone use during the flag line or service. Please keep radios off and engine noise to a minimum. Observe the 15 MPH speed limit. Remember, cemeteries are hallowed ground. Show respect to all who are there, not just the ones we are honoring.
