Michael Howard Johnston

Michael Johnston went to be with the Lord on August 7th, 2022. He was born on July 12th, 1960 to Howard and Dorothy (Gray) Johnston in Saginaw, Michigan. Mike married my mother, Belinda Deckard of Bedford, IN, on August 2nd, 1986. Although they may not have had the wedding they wanted, he was proud to have found such a good woman to have in his life and call his wife. It was on February 15th, 1990, that, I, Adam Johnston, was born. My father was a proud Purdue University Graduate. While on his way to earning his Masters, he barely cracked a book! He enjoyed his time with friends at Harry’s, Boilermaker basketball and football games, and in the cave. Mike then started his career with Ford at their Bedford plant. He started as a foreman and climbed the ladder quickly. We moved briefly to Dearborn, Michigan for his work, but then he returned to the Bedford plant. Mike was so proud to work at Ford and when it transitioned to Visteon. As a part of the negotiation team, it crushed him when the plant finally closed. He truly fought for everyone’s jobs as if they were his family. Mike then eventually found his way to the Crane Naval Base. This brought new challenges and new people to his life that he welcomed with an open mind and heart. My dad loved three things more than anything. My mother and I, the Lord, and sports—especially racing. Indy Car was by far his favorite. His first date with my mother was at qualifications for the Indianapolis 500. He had me at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway at just three months old. Our first 500 was in 1993 and it started my father’s favorite tradition of being at his favorite place with his father and son by his side. It filled his heart with so much joy when his nephew, Dan McLean, and his son, Liam, joined us for the Grand Prix and was so looking forward to Liam’s first 500. His sister, Cheryl Meyer, and her husband, Chris, moved to Bloomington about a year ago. It have only been a short time that they lived so close, but it was time spent growing closer, loving each other, and making good memories. Although my father Michael Johnston left us before we were ready; I know that he knows, loves, and has a good relationship with God and is in His Kingdom above. Just know that regardless of your relationship with Mike—husband, son, brother, uncle, cousin, nephew, father, and friend, the relationship came from a genuine place of love and faith. A service will be held for Mike on August 20th, 2022 at 3pm, with a gathering beforehand from 2-3pm at Christ Community Church. Instead of gifts or flowers, please just think of my father, Mike, and smile and share memories. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.DayDeremiahFrye.com for the Johnston family.