William Dale Johnston

With heavy hearts, the passing of Dale Johnston, a man whose life was defined by hard work, strong convictions, unwavering love for family, and a generous spirit that touched countless lives.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents, James and Eleanor Johnston; his beloved Grandpa Murphy; his brother, Greg Johnston; his in-laws, Howard and Ruth Schooley; and his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Barb and Ed Phillips.

He is survived by his loving wife, Linda (Schooley) Johnston of 36 years; his children, Eleanor “Laurie” Spencer, Rebecca (Tom) Wolfe, Kelly Evans, and Michele Conlon; his grandchildren, Ashley Merryman, Gabrielle (Stanley) Smales, Alyssa (David) Thompson, Latisha (Gavin) Caudell, Kalita Bayes (Rob), Perry (Shelby) Conlon, Justin Evans, Dustin Evans, Melanie Wilmoth (Ty), Benjamin (Brooklyn) Ours, Makala Ours, and Lydia Wolfe; and his fourteen great-grandchildren, Ellah, Jayden, Jazzianna, Gavin Jr., Gunner, Danielle, Avery, Eli, Edward, Alayah, Austin, Colter, Hartley, and Lincoln; a niece and nephews.

A proud graduate of Brookhaven High School’s Class of 1966, Dale embraced life with enthusiasm from an early age. During his younger years, he played in a local band with several close friends, creating memories and friendships that lasted a lifetime.

Dale went on to become the owner of Johnston Service Company, where he built a reputation for dedication, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to serving his community. Later in life, he retired as an insurance agent, carrying the same strong work ethic and genuine care for others into every conversation and relationship.

In 1989, Dale married his best friend and the love of his life, Linda. Together they built a life centered on love, family, laughter, and shared memories. Their partnership was a testament to friendship, devotion, and celebrating the people they cherished.

Dale’s faith was an important part of who he was. He had a deep knowledge of the Bible and a strong belief in God’s Word. He enjoyed discussing scripture, sharing biblical wisdom, and encouraging others through the lessons and truths he found in his faith. His beliefs shaped the way he lived, the way he treated others, and the values he passed on to his family. Dale often drew upon the principles he learned from scripture and his trust in God’s plan.

Dale had a remarkable love for children and never limited that affection to family alone. Whether they were his own grandchildren, neighborhood kids, or children he met along life’s journey, he delighted in encouraging them, teaching them, and making them feel important. His home and heart were always open to the younger generation.

Never one to keep his thoughts to himself, Dale was known for sharing advice, offering opinions, and delivering what many lovingly referred to as a “lecture”—though he would quickly insist, “It’s not a lecture.” His guidance always came from a place of love and concern. One of his favorite expressions was, “I love you, but…”—a phrase that often softened the wisdom, truth, or correction that followed.

The kitchen was another place where Dale found joy. He loved to cook and bake, bringing family and friends together over homemade meals, baked goods, and his famous cheesecake, prepared with love and pride. Food was one of the many ways he showed people he cared.

Dale was also known for the life lessons he shared. He taught those around him that family is not defined solely by blood but by the people who love you, care for you, support you, and encourage you to grow. He found meaning in relationships and believed that genuine connection was one of life’s greatest gifts.

His sense of humor and imagination created memories that his family will treasure forever. Long before the world knew Baby Shark, Dale was entertaining children with tales of the “wheety ball” and how, if made just right, it would attract “Grandpa Fish.” Decades later, those moments still bring smiles to the faces of those who remember them.

Dale was an avid fan of The Ohio State Buckeyes and the Cleveland Indians, cheering faithfully through victories and defeats alike. He also carried a lifelong admiration for Tina Turner, often sharing the story of his days working at Hardy’s Shoes in Columbus, where he had the opportunity to sell shoes to Ike and Tina Turner—a memory he never forgot and one that perhaps explained his lifelong crush on Tina.

Dale will be remembered for his generous heart, unwavering opinions, sense of humor, endless stories, and the lasting impact he made on everyone fortunate enough to know him. His legacy lives on in the lessons he shared, the children he encouraged, and the countless lives he touched.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort in the memories he leaves behind and in the many lives made better because Dale Johnston was part of them.

Visitation will be held at Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services by Schoedinger b, 5554 Karl Road, Columbus, OH 43229 on June 23, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. A Funeral Service will take place at Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services by Schoedinger, 5554 Karl Road, Columbus, OH 43229, US, on June 24, 2026,at 10:30 am. A Committal Service will follow at Kingwood Memorial Park, 8230 Columbus Pike, Lewis Center, OH 43035.