Robert "Bob" Franklin Johnston

Obituary For Robert "Bob" Franklin Johnston

Robert (Bob) Franklin Johnston, beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and service.

Born in Perry, Iowa, on December 5, 1948, Bob was the son of Robert Stewart Johnston and Alice Garland Felty, who met in Munich, Germany, in 1947. Bob's parents shared a unique and inspiring love story, having met shortly after World War II ended, while Robert served in the Army Air Corps and Alice worked as a Red Cross Clubmobile Girl, visiting troops on the front lines.

Bob spent his early childhood in Reserve, New Mexico, while his father was a New Mexico State Police Officer, and his mother was an elementary school teacher. His family later moved to Las Cruces, New Mexico, where he spent most of his formative years. He attended New Mexico Military Institute during his junior year in 1966 but moved back to Las Cruces to graduate with his friends in the first graduating class from Mayfield High School in 1967. In 1972, Bob earned his bachelor’s degree in agriculture with a minor in biology from New Mexico State University.

Bob began his professional career with the USDA, working as a meat inspector from 1973 to 1974, with postings in Portales, New Mexico, and Queens, New York. In 1974 he joined the U.S. Border Patrol, beginning a long and distinguished career. He attended the Border Patrol Academy in Texas and was stationed in Calexico, California, in November 1974. Bob's expertise led him to teach high-speed pursuit techniques in Brunswick, Georgia, 1977. In 1978, he moved to Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, where he served as a Patrol Agent until his promotion to Senior Patrol Agent in 1992. Bob continued his service in this role until his retirement in 1999. From 1990 to 1993, he also worked as a trophy hunting guide on the Ladder Ranch in New Mexico.

Bob was survived by his devoted wife, Rita Torres Johnston, whom he married on February 21, 1984, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Together, they built a loving family, including his son, Michael Joel Johnston, and daughter-in-law, Kari Johnston. Bob was a proud grandfather to Hunter Johnston, age 19, currently attending the United States Air Force Academy, and Kricket Johnston, age 18, currently attending West Point Military Academy. His youngest grandson, Tristen (Cooper) Johnston, age 16, is a junior at the Alabama School for Cyber Technology and Engineering.

Bob's daughter, Elizabeth Johnston Dora, and her husband, Duane Stites, were a source of immense pride to him. He cherished his granddaughter, Allison Dora, age 22, studying Pharmacology at the University of Arizona, and his grandson, Gage Dora, age 21, serving in the U.S. Air Force as an Airman First Class stationed at Kadena Air Force Base in Okinawa, Japan.

Bob was preceded in death by his mother, father, and brother, Michael Ernest Johnston. Bob is survived by his niece, Leah Johnston Diaz, and her husband, Paul Diaz, along with their four children: Desiree K. Santiago, Julianna K. Diaz, Elisha D. Diaz, and Jonah M. Diaz. Bob’s extended family includes his first cousins Cathy Dixon of Virginia, Steve Quinn of Oregon, Maryalice Larson of South Dakota, Marilyn Sink of North Carolina, Pegie Douglas of South Dakota, and Virginia (Beanie) Ramos of Arkansas.

Bob's life was enriched by the deep and lasting friendships he forged throughout his years. Among his lifelong friends were Keith Carver, Michael & Taffy Trujillo, and Don Saunders. His passion for hunting brought him close to friends such as Marcus Frost and Gene & Shay Lyda. His esteemed colleagues from the Border Patrol included Fred Brown (deceased), Bob Dunlap, Adan Monsivaiz, Alex Van Gils, Lance Martin, and Albert Ortiz. He also cherished the friendship he shared with U.S. Attorney Robert Gorence.

Serving as Honorary Pallbearers will be Keith Carver, Michael Trujillo, Don Saunders, Hunter Johnston, Cooper Johnston, Gage Dora, Marcus Frost, Robert Gorence, Gene Lyda, and Alex Van Gils.

Bob will be remembered for his love for his family, his dedication to his country, and the many lives he touched throughout his journey. His memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Funeral services will be held at Saint Paul's Episcopal Church (407 N. Cedar Street, T or C) at 2:00P.M. on Friday, August 23, 2024. To be followed by a short graveside service at Hot Springs Cemetery with U.S. Border Patrol Honors and a post-funeral gathering at The Moose Lodge (202 E Smith St, T or C, NM).