Retired U.S. Navy Commander, Theodore F. Johnson, a resident of Severna Park, died November 10th. Third generation Californian, he was born June 26, 1927 in Escondido, California where he was raised on a ranch, the eldest son of the late Mary Boynton and Fred Johnson. Commander Johnson graduated from the San Diego State University, the Armed Forces Staff College in Norfolk, Virginia, and the Naval Intelligence Language School in Russian studies in Washington, D.C.

During his thirty five years in the U.S. Navy, he was stationed in Puerto Rico, Guam, Alaska, three years in London, England and three years he was assigned to the British Foreign Office in Cheltenham, England. He also was stationed in Japan and the Philippine Islands where he spent time aboard the U.S. Submarine USS Harder, Sea Poacher, Nautilus, Skate and Triton. He was also assigned to the Staff Commander 7th Fleet aboard the USS Oklahoma City and USS Providence.

In August 1969, he returned to the United States and lived in Severna Park where he worked at the Naval Security Group Staff in Washington, D.C. and then to the National Security Agency, where he retired.

He was an avid sailor and in retirement taught sailing and celestial navigation as an instructor for the American Sailing Association and was licensed for 100 ton master on 30 to 55 feet auxiliary sailing vessels. He also did charter captain work on the Chesapeake Bay and off-shore yacht delivery as well as working for Bacon and Associates, Sail Brokers in Annapolis.

Commander Johnson married the former Jean Marie Tinger in London, England in 1956. Surviving are his wife of 56 years, one daughter, Janine and husband, Jim Leffert of Connecticut, one sister, Mary Lee Lasswell of Oregon and one brother, Leroy Boynton Johnson of California and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held later at Arlington National Cemetery.

Online condolences may be made at www.barrancofuneralhome.com