Dr. C. Conrad Johnston Jr.

C. Conrad Johnston Jr. M.D. passed from this life at age 94 on January 22nd a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was born in Statesville, NC and was raised in Mooresville, NC, and attended Episcopal High School in Alexandria, VA. He went on to attend Duke University for undergraduate and medical school, graduating in 1955. He completed his internship at Duke Hospital, residency at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis, and a research fellowship at Indiana University School of Medicine. Remaining at IU as a faculty member, in 1969, he was promoted to Professor of Medicine at which time he became Chief of Endocrinology and Metabolism, a position he held until 1994. In 1997, he was named as a Distinguished Professor.

Con served on many committees locally, nationally, and internationally regarding osteoporosis. He was Vice Chairman and Chairman of the Health and Hospital Corporation Board of Trustees. He also served as President of the National Osteoporosis Foundation. He received the Sandoz Prize for Gerontological Research in 1993. In 1996, he received the Frederic C. Bartter Award from the American Society of Bone and Mineral Research for outstanding clinical investigation into the disorders of bone and mineral metabolism. In 1998, he received the Yank D. Coble, Jr., M.D. Distinguished Service Award of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists. In 2020, he was presented with the Bicentennial Medal for his distinguished service to Indiana University. In addition, Con served as Captain in the United States Air Force and was a 33rd degree Mason. He was a member of the Second Presbyterian Church, where he served as an Elder, Woodstock CC, and as part of the Dramatic and Contemporary Clubs. He was a supporter of both the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and the Indianapolis Museum of Art.

Con had an excellent and dry sense of humor. He loved a spirited discussion and had strong opinions on most subjects. He enjoyed extensive travel as well as fine dining and a good bottle of red wine. He also had a particular fondness for family trips to Sanibel Island. A little known fact, Con was responsible for the introduction of the inventor of Gatorade to Alfred J. Stolely, then President and Chairman of the Board of Stokely Van Camp….the rest is sport drink history.

He survived loving wife of 63 years Marjorie Tarkington Johnston, son Conrad (Pat) Johnston, daughter Elizabeth Emerson, grandchildren Conrad Emerson and Mary Emerson. Services will be held at Second Presbyterian Church on Friday, February 16 at 1:00. Calling will be at 12:00.

The family of Con requests donations be made to Indiana University School of Medicine to support osteoporosis research. Make memorial gifts payable to “IU Foundation” and mail to IU Foundation, P.O. Box 7072, Indianapolis, IN 46207-7072. Please indicate “In memory of C. Conrad Johnston Jr. M.D. on the gift.

The family also request donations in Con's memory be made to the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.