Staff Sgt. Matthew J. Johnston Gone Early, But Will Never Be Forgotten

Staff Sgt. Matthew J. Johnston of the 8th Air Force’s 608th Air Communications Squadron died Mon., March 19, 2012 in his sleep. He was the beloved husband of Crystal M. Johnston, dear father of three-year-old Brayden Johnston and dear son of Steven (Linda) Johnston of , and Karen Johnston of Florissant.

Johnston was also a brother, brother-in-law, uncle, cousin nephew and friend to many.

There will be visitation on Monday from 4 to 8 p.m., at , 675 Graham Road in Florissant.

There will also be a visitation on Tuesday from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at Hutchens as well.

Johnston, who has been actively serving in the US Air Force for almost nine years, has received full honors and will be laid to rest at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for contributions to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Johnston was a part of the 2002 graduating class at and married his high school sweetheart. His family and he were stationed at the Barksdale Air Force Base in Bossier City, LA. According to the local radio station there, Keel News Radio 710, He had complained earlier in the day of chest pain. When Bossier City EMS personnel arrived, they were unable to resuscitate him.

Barksdale Air Force Base held a memorial in his honor on Thursday, according to the Shreveport Times, which was closed to the public.

On the public portion of Johnston's Facebook page he describes his "about me" through his love for his family:

"I have been working for the DoD (Department of Defense) for a about 9 years now. Within that time, I got married to my beautiful wife Crystal who gave birth to the best son I could ever ask for, Brayden. Everything that I do, is done for them."