Robert Moose Lee Johnston

Robert L. “Moose” Johnston, 74, of Belleville, Illinois, born January 13, 1942, in East St. Louis, Illinois, passed away on Tuesday, August 9, 2016 at home, due to complications from pancreatic cancer.

Bob proudly owned and operated Johnston Towing in Belleville for 40 plus years. He was a hardworking and dedicated owner, always ready to help those in need. He was a true gearhead and loved to “go fast”. Anything with a gasoline engine fascinated him, including; planes, boats, motorcycles, and antique trucks. Bob was passionate about racing, especially on dirt tracks. He enjoyed water skiing and spending time on the lake with family and friends. He had a great personality and called things the way he saw them. He was a loving family man and friend, who will truly be missed by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert H. and Emily M., nee Greenfield, Johnston; his grandson, Zachary R. Hutchison; a son-in-law, Scott Hutchison; a sister, Janet Thompson; and his best friend, Larry Burtz.

Surviving are his loving wife of 23 years, Kathryn “Katie” Johnston, nee Sax, of Belleville, Illinois; his first wife and mother of his children, Karen Schmidt, of Belleville, Illinois; his children, Robert E. Johnston and Angela Johnston-Hutchison, both of Belleville, Illinois; a step-son, Brian A (Teresa) Horvath, of Millstadt, Illinois; his grandchildren, Anna Johnston and Jacob Hutchison; his step grandchildren, Madylin and Miles Horvath, and Heather Mueller; and his step great granddaughter, Lenna Mueller; a brother, Gary “Buzz” (Joyce) Johnston, of Belleville, Illinois; and other nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Thanks for the loving care from the staff at Illinois Oncology. Special thanks to all the family and friends who visited, entertained and transported Bob to appointments over the last few years.

Please, no flowers, memorials can be made to the Belleville Area Humane Society. Special condolences may also be expressed online at www.lakeviewfuneralhm.com.

Visitation: A memorial visitation will be held and friends may call from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, August 13, 2016 at Lake View Funeral Home, Fairview Heights, Illinois.