Don Johnston

Don’s family moved to Atchison, Kansas when he was a child. In Atchison Don met the love of his life, Peggy Larson, who soon became Peggy Johnston his loving partner in a wonderful marriage of 61 years.

Don was an exceptional young man achieving his Eagle Scout and in high school starring in track, football and basketball. His track record in the 100 yard dash endured for many years. Don was president of his high school senior class and until his passing he continued to coordinate class reunions.

Don was also an excellent student and graduated from the University of Kansas with a degree in micro-biology. At KU Don was a member of Sigma Nu fraternity and Navy ROTC.

Shortly after college graduation Don and Peggy were married and he soon got to see the world compliments of the U.S. Navy. After his initial long tour he returned to Atchison to give Peggy one of his famous “bear hugs” and to meet his sweet new daughter, Cindy Jane. Two years later another sweet daughter, Marcia Ann, aka The Tiger, joined the family and the rest, as they say, is history. And a beautiful one.

After serving his country, the family moved to Kansas City.

Don’s professional career resume is an interesting and varied one. He served as president of Echlin Manufacturing in Columbus, Kansas after working for its related company, Ace Electric, in Kanas City. After his stint in the executive ranks, Don followed his hobby and passion in woodworking, turning that into a successful cabinetry business thanks to his consummate skill in crafting wood creations.

After retiring, Peggy put Don to work in her estate sale business. At each sale Don was issued his “special green cashbox” that he took to the garage to oversee the “tool department.” He was also part of “the over the hill carousel group” that donated their wood carving skill and time to the Carousel Museum in Leavenworth where they worked tirelessly restoring carousel animals.

Don and Peggy very much enjoyed traveling together. Their journeys took them to Europe as well as just about anywhere in the United States where they could find and ride a merry-go-round. National Carousel Conventions were always on their destination list!

Don had a wonderful curiosity. He was constantly learning and pursuing new hobbies. He was an avid reader of a wide range of subjects and a skilled photographer, moving from film to digital enthusiastically. He had a great wit, and a wonderful sense of humor which often reflected his boyish, mischievous charm.

Don was a member of Village Presbyterian Church and enjoyed regular worship followed by breakfast with cherished church friends, an important part of his life.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, and sisters Twila Mae Johnston and Betty Jane Peterson. And a very long line of faithful dogs. He is survived by his wife Peggy, daughters Cindy Cook (Jim) and Marcia Jacobson (Dave) and his adoring grandchildren, Scott and John Cook and Brad and Jennifer “Sweetness” Jacobson. And his schnauzer, Sofie.

While Don’s skilled hands produced many beautiful creations, he would point to his loving, close knit, happy family as his finest work. Don cherished that family and his love was mutual with each member of the family to the moment of his last breath, surrounded by that family.

A celebration of Don’s life will be held Thursday, July 9th at 1:00 p.m. at Village Presbyterian Church, 6641 Mission Road, Prairie Village, Kansas, 66208. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to the Carousel Museum, 320 S Esplanade St, Leavenworth, KS 66048 and Village Presbyterian Church.