Ronald L. Johnston DDS

Indianapolis, IN Ronald L. Johnston, DDS (Ron), 78, passed away in his Noblesville home on Friday, April 22, 2022, after declining health.

Dr. Johnston was born on June 25, 1943, in Hartford City, Indiana. He was the son of the late Donald Willard Johnston and Esta Ilene (Cale) Johnston of Upland, Indiana. He grew up in Upland where he was well known as a promising young baseball player. Upon entering Indiana University in 1961 he played center field his freshman year before turning to his studies to fulfil his goal of entering dental school. Sports aways remained a meaningful part of his life, and he spent many seasons coaching baseball and later soccer for his children. During his early adult years he played men’s semi pro ball with the American Legion while also serving as their coach.

After graduating from Indiana University Dental School in 1968 he entered the United States Air Force with the rank of Captain and was sent to George AFB in Victorville, California, to serve as a dentist to the many airmen and officers during the Vietnam War Era. Ron returned to Indiana following his active duty discharge but remained inactive for 20 years until he was officially discharged. Upon his return to civilian life he set up his practice in Broad Ripple in 1972, retiring from practicing in 2014. He also used his considerable dental knowledge and skill to teach in the Prosthodontist Department of the IU Dental School for nearly 30 years.

Dr. Johnston earned the rank of Eagle Scout as a teenager and was accepted into Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity at IU, which is founded on the principles of the Boy Scouts of America. In dental school he joined Psi Omega, an international professional fraternity for dentistry to maintain the standards of the profession. He was a life long member of the Broad Ripple American Legion, and recently he was honored in Upland as a 50 year member of the Masonic Temple. His high school baseball uniform is on display in Upland at the Upland Historical Society.

Ron is survived by his daughter, Melissa E. Rogers (Richard) of Indianapolis; son, Ryan M. Johnston, MD (Lori) of Yorktown, IN; Grandsons, Harrison Riley Rogers of Indianapolis; Peyton Louis Johnston, Marshall Louis Johnston, and Donovan Louis Johnston all of Yorktown; and granddaughter, Olivia Noelle Rogers of Indianapolis. He also leaves behind his sister, Patricia Atkinson, of The Villages Florida; his nephew, Jeffrey Atkinson, of Fort Wayne; and his niece, Diane Stomoff (Dan) of St. Petersburg, Florida. Dr. Johnston is also survived by former wife Linda Johnston Rogers of Indianapolis.

Visitation will take place on Monday, May 9, 2022, at Leppert Mortuary at Nora Chapel on 86th Street from 4:00 to 6:00, followed by a Masonic Service at 6:00 PM. A private family service will be conducted at a later date with his ashes to be dispersed. Dr. Johnston will be remembered by his patients who loved him for his impeccable work ethic and dental skill. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Dr. Johnston’s name may be made to The Indianapolis Humane Society.