Robert 'Skip H Johnston

Robert H. “Skip” Johnston, 70, of Scottsbluff, died Saturday, Aug.15, 2015 at his home after a year-long battle with cancer, with his devoted wife, Eva, and family by his side. His memorial service will be held Thurs., Aug. 20, at 10: 30 a.m. at Dugan Kramer Funeral Chapel with Rev. Jay Mitchell officiating. A memorial has been established to Festival of Hope or Panhandle Human Society. Tributes of sympathy may be left at www.dugankramer.com.

“Skip” was born Nov. 11, 1944 at Bremerton, Wash., to Robert W. Johnston and Charlotte Daggett Johnston. He received his early education in Scottsbluff at Roosevelt Elementary School and in Washington State, before his family moved back to the Panhandle and he graduated from Scottsbluff High School in 1962. During his high school years, Skip excelled in track and was often referred to in the Star-Herald, as “one of the state’s top high school dashmen” setting both school and state records. Skip also was a member of the S-Club, lettering in both football and track.

Skip married Carol Henderson and to this union, two children were born. After his service in the United States Navy, he divorced and lived in various places before moving back to Scottsbluff to begin his career working at Kinder Morgan, retiring in 2005 after 25 years of employment there. Skip met and married Eva Price, happily spending the last 30 years together. They enjoyed traveling, attending sporting events and spending time with friends and family. Skip had affection for all living creatures, especially his furry friends.

Skip is survived by his loving wife, Eva, of Scottsbluff. Stepdaughters, Pam Engstrom (Doug) of Gering and children, Jacob Engstrom, Garett (Aubrey) Burkey, Colter Burkey, and Charity (Mark) Leppert; Jody Lamp (Mike) of Mitchell and children Mark and Jessie; Sandy Votruba (Troy) of Wheatland and daughter Kaetlin; and Shelley Bradley of Mitchell and son Kaden. Sister and brother-in-law Kay and Doug Wendt of Gering and daughters, Jaime and Lindsey. Aunts Sherry (John) Gifford of Banner Co., and Leah Rae Schneider of Lincoln. Special nieces and nephews; great-grandchildren and extended family.

Skip was preceded in death by his parents, his two children, and several aunts and uncles.