Donald Ernan Johnston

Don was born March 23, 1937 in Baltimore, MD. Don graduated from Towson University in Maryland and received his Master’s in Education from Florida Technological Institute (now UCF) in Florida. He dedicated his life to the education of our youth as a teacher and administrator, with a special place in his heart for helping youth achieve their GED.

Don enlisted in the United States Marine Corp Reserve and subsequently transferred to the United States Air Force to complete his service to our Nation. Don proudly served from 1955 until Honorably Discharged in 1959 as an E-5 Staff Sergeant. He was stationed in Camp Lejeune, NC, Mountain Home, ID and Okinawa, Japan. It was in Okinawa that Don developed a love for snorkeling and scuba diving, and he also played football for the Naha Eagles.

Don also had a lifelong passion for aviation. After leaving the Air Force, he earned his Private, Instrument and Commercial civilian pilot ratings. Don was also an animal lover and cared for a variety of animals to include two horses, many dogs and cats and several strays.

He was preceded in death by his parents Bernard and Mary Helen, along with his brother Robert John "Bob" Johnston, and his sister Bernadette(Fred) Jean Benson .

Don is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Marylou; his two daughters, Marianne (Bryan) and Donna; four grandchildren, Bryan Jr., Hope, Daly and Adam; and two sisters, MaryPat (Tony) Marzullo and Dorothy (Roger) Waufle.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at 11:00 AM at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, 3016 Providence Rd., Charlotte, NC 28211.

Burial will be at a later date at Jacksonville National Cemetery, Jacksonville, FL.

Online condolences may be shared at www.McEwenPinevilleChapel.com