M. A. "Al" Johnson, Jr.,

M. A. "Al" Johnson, Jr., Brigadier General, USMC (retired) left this life surrounded by family on August 25, 2015 to join his mother and father, leaving behind a legion of friends from a lifetime of being one, and a raft of great memories for family to cherish. He will be both missed and celebrated in equal measure.

Al was proud to be a fourth-generation Texan, with roots on the family farm near Milano, and prouder still to have spent 61 years married to fellow Texan the former Mae Frances Outlaw. At various stages of his life he was called General, Al, Dad, Grandpa, and Great-Grandpa and he happily answered to all and excelled at each.

Mannon Allen Johnson, Jr. was born in San Antonio, Texas on August 11, 1932 to Mary (Thweatt) Johnson and Mannon Allen Johnson, Sr., Major U.S. Army. Graduating from Jefferson High School, he entered Southwest Texas State Teacher College in San Marcos, Texas to pursue biology and education studies.

He joined the Marine Corps in May 1950 while being a college student. Following Platoon Leaders Class training at Quantico, Va., he was commissioned a second lieutenant in June 1953 starting his career as an artillery officer serving with the 3rd Marine Division in Japan and 1^st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton.

He received numerous awards throughout his military career including the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat V, Meritorious Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation and Campaign Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. His family is most gratified that he was recognized with the Defense Department Distinguished Service Award.

He was a proud member of the Elks Lodge #1968 in Vista, Calif. where he and Mae Frances spent many happy evenings with friends and family. They were members of the Exploradores RV club and spent many joyous excursions to campgrounds with their fellow travelers and friends. And indulging a longstanding interest in all things historic, they were members of the Steam Engine Museum in Vista.

By all accounts, he lived a life with many more good days than bad.

Bgen M.A. Johnson is survived by his wife of 61 years, the former Mae Frances Outlaw; sons M. Allen Johnson, III and wife Candice of Friendswood, Texas; Andy Johnson and wife Mary of Oceanside, Calif.; daughters Susan Fox and husband Pete of Mannsville, Okla. and Anne Hassinger and husband Alex of New Braunfels, Texas. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, Tara Mae, Joshua, Rachel (husband Josh), Garet and Jake Johnson; as well as great-grandchildren Paisley and Kenzington.

We can say without reservation that one day when we see our husband, Dad, Grandpa and Great-Grandpa again and ask if he enjoyed the life he carved out in his 83 years, he’d grin and give the same enthusiastic response he always did when asked anything that particularly pleased him…. "You betcha!"

A Celebration of Al’s Life will be held at the Vista Elks Lodge #1968 on September 27, 2015, at 2:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested making a donation in Al’s memory to Vista Elks Lodge #1968 – Special Needs Children's Fund – 1947 E. Vista Way, Vista, California 92084.