Johnny Colton (Bayne, JB, JC)

May 12, 1972-May 11, 2026

Johnny was born in Portland, OR, to Terria. He was big brother to Angela. His family relocated to San Diego when he was young and that was the beginning of his travels. Later, Terria met Steve Sallee and married, expanding their family to six children.

As his dad's work called, Johnny lived in many places across the country. Johnny was an exceptional athlete who excelled in wrestling and martial arts. He graduated from high school in St. Helen's, OR, and left soon after to serve in the U.S. Navy. He would be sent literally all over the world as he was loaned to the U.S. Marine Corps. Johnny served in Desert Storm, Gulf War I, as a combat corpsman (medic). After he returned from the Gulf, he tried out for the Navy wrestling team. He won the South Atlantic Wrestling Tournament at 163lbs. Johnny then went on to the 1992 Olympic trials representing the U.S. military and missed the top spot in his weight class by 1 point. He served as an alternate on the team and provided security to Team USA in Barcelona, Spain. After his time ended with the Navy, he traveled where the wind took him.

Johnny met and married Michelle Elliott and added her daughters, Trinidee and Raylee, to his family. But his daughter Shawnee Marie was his heart. But Johnny's post-war PTSD reared its ugly head and they unfortunately separated.

Johnny had a zest for travel and experienced life. His stories from living in Texas, working as a bar-back in Austin or Cancún, playing music around Texas or singing in Nashville, he would take what life gave him and write songs to soothe his soul.

Johnny later married again to Andi Stouffer and added daughter Kelsey to his family. Later, he took on being daddy to Leticia, his sunshine. During this time, Johnny started his band, Johnny Colton and the Hired Guns. He met many outstanding musicians and songwriters who influenced him as he played music around the Northwest.

Johnny married Valarie Pardue in 2025. He added her kids, Connor and Victoria, and grandkids to his family. Johnny and Valarie bought a house and steadily made it a home over six years. He continued playing music and chasing his dream of signing a record contract. Johnny shared his love of music and playing guitar by gifting guitars and teaching students. This gave him immense joy.

Due to health issues from an accident while living in Texas, Johnny lived with constant pain. He had nine surgeries over the last three years that his body didn't fully recover from. He medically retired in 2025.

Johnny leaves behind his wife, Valarie; parents Steve and Terria Sallee; sisters Angela (John) and Rhonda; brother Randy; daughters Shawnee, Kelsey, and Leticia; grandchildren Augustine, Ilena, Sekani, Xandros, (soon) baby Zahara Marie, Kuroko, Jayla, and Parker; nephews Garrett (Abby) and Jason; nieces Shawna, Kara, Lily, and Alex, many friends, musicians, and veterans.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, sister Dawn Marie and baby, brother Ron, niece Tia, best friend John Love, Dandy, his horse, and LeDoux, his bestest boy Cow Dog, and many beloved pets.

A celebration of life will be held June 6, 2026, at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Richland, 2-4pm. A light lunch and refreshments will be available. An open bar (cash only) will be available.

The family asks that any of Johnny's co-workers, friends, and musicians to join us as we celebrate his life, his family, his legacy of love and music. We are planning an open jam for anyone who wants to play something for him.

Contact Valarie or Andi for details.