Pierce George Johnston Jr., 69, Heyworth, died April 7, 2012, at his residence of a short reoccurrence of melanoma from 20 years ago.

In accordance with George’s wishes, no service will be held. Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington, is in charge of cremation services. In lieu of flowers, George requested donations be made to Park Township Airport in Holland, Mich.

This airport is an example of a surviving small airport built by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) that was part of a national air transportation system. It currently serves as a gathering place for pilots who are passionate about small plane aviation. Mailing address: 1269 Ottawa Beach Road, Holland MI 49424 Attn: Charitable & Education Fund for George Johnston.

He is survived by Sherri McElroy; two daughters, Caroline Johnston, Houston, Texas; and Alicia Johnston, Springfield; one son, Bradley Johnston, Ossining, N.Y.; two granddaughters, Deborah Johnston and Eliana Johnston; one brother, Richard Johnston, Heyworth; and one sister, Linda Reed, Heyworth.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

George was a U.S. Naval aviator from 1966 through 1971 and a pilot with Eastern Airlines from 1972 through March 4, 1989. He was affiliated with Emmett-Scharf Electric Co. from 1964 through the present and operated Red Oak Tree Farm from 1994 until recently.

George went on his last flight “around the patch” (the farm) with his nephew, Tom Johnston, on March 27.