Fallen Hero: First Sergeant (1SG) (Ret) Marty C. Johnston

Yazoo City, MS/Muskegon, MI


Funeral Home

Sytsema Funeral Homes, The Sytsema Chapel

737 E. Apple Ave. Muskegon, MI 49442
(231) 726-5210

Visitation

NA due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Service

A memorial service will be conducted in MS on May 23, 2020 at a time and location TBD.


Obituary

Another great Soldier and Fallen Hero have been released from duty, passed from our ranks on April 13, 2020 and moved on to his heavenly home.  First Sergeant (1SG) Marty C. Johnston, age 55, a retired member of the MS Army National Guard who had served within the 1/204th ADA; 185th AV Gp; and the 890th EN Bn has departed and gone to a better place with our good Lord.

It takes a special person to serve within the military for their country giving up their family time, comfort and safety for their country ultimately for all Americans to enjoy their freedoms, safety, and way of life.  We now applaud you for your service to our country.  A special message from General Douglas McArthur still remains applicable today for our servicemen that have passed:  “Old Soldiers never die; they just fade away”.

Rest in Peace Soldier.  We applaud your patriotism and brave efforts in serving our country and your family for their support of your service.  We thank you for your service.   Without your efforts and your families’ support, this country would not stand so boldly, shine so bright and live so free.  You now have earned a rest, so go fly with the Angels.  May God continue to look over you and your family.  “Stand At Rest Soldier”

Obituary–

Obituary Link

Marty Jonston, age 55, passed away unexpectedly Monday, April 13, 2020 in Muskegon, MI. He was born June 22, 1964 in Yazoo City, Mississippi to Herbert and Shirley (Martin) Johnston. Marty was in the U.S. Army Mississippi National Guard for 29 years, retiring in 2017. He rose to the rank of E8 First Sergeant and served in Somalia for 6 months and one year with the Air Defense Artillery Unit guarding President George W. Bush’s ranch in Crawford, Texas. Marty was currently employed by Engine Power Components. In his spare time, Marty enjoyed hunting, fishing, and working on his guns. On June 19, 1987, he married the former Paula M. Springsdorf in Canton, Mississippi and she survives him along with 3 children: Sean (Alexis) Johnston, Nathan and Dustin Johnston all of Muskegon, MI; grandson, Alex Peltier; brother, B.J. (Melissa) Johnston of Canton, Mississippi; sister, Sandra (Ricky) Page of Canton, Mississippi; nephew, Scott Wiltcher; and nieces: Tiffany (Adam) Love, Cheyenne (J.R.) Herring, and Sydney Johnston. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak and social distancing, a celebration of Marty’s life will be held in Mississippi, May 23 with time and location to be advised later.   MEMORIALS to the American Heart Association will be appreciated. Share memories with the family at their On-line Guest Book at www.sytsemafh.com Arrangements by The Sytsema Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 737 Apple Ave., Muskegon, MI 49442 (231) 726-5210