John was born on February 16, 1924 in Richland, Indiana to
Ransom “Perry” and Mary Etta Yoder Johnston. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Bernice Good, Nellie Orr, Mildred Reigle, and Maxine Johnston, his brother Woodrow “Jack” Johnston, and one son-in-law Richard Norman. He married his lovely wife Dorthlyne Morris on December 27, 1947. They were married 34 years until her death on October 8, 1982. Together they had one daughter Jeannene Lynn Johnston.
He is survived by his daughter, Jeannene (Jerry) Carter. Two granddaughters, Jennifer (David) Edwards of Paris, TN, Erica (Dylan) Roberson of Pikeville, TN and one grandson, John Norman of Houston, TX. Two great-granddaughters, Victoria Edwards and Kimberly Edwards. Three great-grandsons, Ethan Edwards, Ambrin Roberson, and Ransom Roberson.
John proudly served in the Army Air Corp during WWII as a cook. While stationed in England he prepared meals for Gen Dwight D. Eisenhower, who was so impressed that he had him promoted to the Officers Mess. In France, he once again served Gen Eisenhower and Gen George Patton.
After his marriage, he moved to Pekin, IL and worked for Caterpillar Tractor Company in East Peoria, IL for 35 years. He was a charter member of Faith Baptist Church in Pekin. While there he was the Chairman of the Board of Deacons for 20 years. He also drove a bus for all youth activities, the bus ministry, and Faith Baptist Christian School for over 30 years.
He moved to Chattanooga, TN in 1985. There he attended Grace Baptist Church until 2013. Although he was retired, he worked at the church and Grace Baptist Academy. Every Wednesday night he would pass out Awana shares at the church. At the school, he ran early stay, collected all of the lunch money, and took in gate at every sporting event until 2009. He touch so many lives during his lifetime right up until the end and encouraged hundreds of teens.
He loved playing bingo at his ALF, cards, board games with his family, and games on his computer with friends. He also enjoyed the time he spent with Larson and Lauren Carter playing games, talking, and drawing pictures. He was a champion checker player. He was also an avid reader. He read through his Bible twice every year and enjoyed reading about the Amish. He truly believed in the verse, “Pray without ceasing.” His mind was as sharp as a tack until the end. The last thing that he read before he went to heaven were two letters and two get well cards written by great-grandsons, Ambrin and Ransom.
He always had a smile on his face and a strong handshake. He is loved and will be missed by many.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Tuesday, October 16th in the funeral home chapel with Dr. Steve Euler officiating. Visitation will be on Monday, October 15th from 5-7 pm. Burial will be at 11:00 am on Thursday October 18th at Lakeside Cemetery in Pekin, IL.
Memorial contributions can be made to The Legacy House (Hospice) of Ocala, FL. Many thanks to the amazing staff there.
Please share your memories of John with the family at www.chattanoogaeastbrainerdchapel.com
Arrangements are by the East Brainerd Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 8214 E. Brainerd Rd., Chattanooga, TN 37421.
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