Herbert Leon Johnson, 88, of Turlock, passed away at Elness Convalescent with his loving wife by his side. Born in Oklahoma to David and Minnie Johnson, he moved with his family to California in 1937. Shortly after arriving in California, Herbert joined the Marines, serving from 1942 to 1945. Herbert, a Private First Class, was qualified as a rifle expert and ranked 3rd of 500 men in his platoon, the 10th Defense Battalion of the USMC. Most of his time was spent touring the South and Central Pacific Islands. After returning from the Islands, he worked as a military police officer at the Oakland Naval Depot. Later Herbert became a proud member of the National Rifle Association and the local VFW # 5059.
Herbert loved to be outdoors, he was an avid hunter, who also greatly enjoyed fishing and camping. Herbert also loved to travel, traveling most of the Western states.
He and his wife Geraldine enjoyed many camping trips and traveling excursions together. Herbert was a crack shot with a rifle; he hunted for 40 years, only missing two hunting seasons. For many years he hunted throughout California, after some time he felt the hunting terrain here in California was becoming over crowded, and began hunting in Montana and Colorado. Herbert always had a large vegetable garden he tended to with Geraldine, and, as a master mechanic, loved working on motors. Family was important to Herbert; he even made the annual trips to Oklahoma for family reunions.
Herbert is survived by his wife, Geraldine Johnson and daughter, Dorothy A. Early, both of Turlock; and siblings, Ruby Ranuio and Doris Johnson, both of Stockton and Johnnie Reed of Turlock.  He was preceded by his parents, five brothers and two sisters.
A private graveside service will be held at the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery in Santa Nella. There will be no viewing; all arrangements are entrusted to Allen Mortuary.
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