Dan Johnston

September 16, 1943 – September 3, 2026

In loving memory, the family of Richard Daniel “Dan” Johnston announces his passing at the age of 82 on September 3, 2026, in The Woodlands, Texas, following a courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease.

Dan was born on September 16, 1943, in Port Arthur, Texas. He graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in Port Arthur in 1962. One of the highlights of his youth was his involvement in the Boy Scouts of America, where he earned the prestigious Eagle Scout Award, an accomplishment of which he remained proud throughout his life.

Following high school, Dan attended Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas, where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 1967. During his time at Stephen F. Austin, he served as President of Theta Chi Fraternity and President of the Interfraternity Council. It was there that he met the love of his life, Lynn Breland, who would become his wife and devoted partner for 59 years.

After college, Dan served four years in the United States Navy as a Communications Technician. Much of his service was spent stationed in Pensacola, Florida, and Adak, Alaska, where he and Lynn began building their life together. Following his military service, the couple moved to Orange, Texas, where they welcomed their son, Richard Trent Johnston, in 1972.

Following in the footsteps of his father, Dan joined Levingston Shipbuilding Company in Orange, Texas. Having spent summers during his youth working as a pipefitter's assistant at the shipyard, he began his professional career there and steadily advanced through the organization, ultimately serving as Vice President of Planning and Scheduling.

As economic conditions changed in Southeast Texas, Dan made the bold decision to relocate his family to The Woodlands in 1986 and establish a State Farm Insurance agency from the ground up. During his 35-year career as a State Farm agent, he earned more than twenty consecutive Legion of Honor awards and was honored with the prestigious Crystal of Excellence Award in recognition of his unwavering commitment to serving his clients. Dan often credited these accomplishments not only to his own efforts but also to the dedicated staff members he considered part of his extended family.

Dan's passion for serving others extended well beyond his profession. He served as President of the Woodlands Lions Club, was active in The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce, and was a devoted member of Christ Church Methodist in The Woodlands.

Dan's love of nature began early during camping trips along Cow Creek, deep in the Piney Woods of East Texas, with his father, Dick Johnston, and family friends he affectionately knew as “Uncle” Henry and “Uncle” Roy. These experiences left a lasting impression on him, and he often reflected on those treasured memories throughout his life. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, boating, and collecting rocks, fossils, and historical artifacts, passing along his love of the outdoors and adventure to his son, Trent.

Dan also enjoyed collecting pieces of the past. During decades of traveling in a motorhome with Lynn, he delighted in exploring antique stores, flea markets, and roadside shops in search of unique treasures. He was especially fond of items that could fit in a pocket and came with a memorable story.

Of all the things Dan loved, his greatest joy was his family. He was a devoted husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, and proud “Paw Paw.” His granddaughters, Emily Johnston and Lauren Johnston, were truly the light of his life and his greatest source of pride. He also cherished his friendships and the many beloved dogs that shared his life over the years.

Dan leaves behind a tremendous void in the hearts of those who knew and loved him, and he will be deeply missed.

He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Lynn Breland Johnston; his son, Richard Trent Johnston, and wife, Mandy McGlaun Johnston; his granddaughters, Emily Claire Johnston and Lauren Christine Johnston; and his nephews, Michael Keith Fink and Todd Allan Fink.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard Harry “Dick” Johnston and Edna Pearl Johnston, and by his sister, Jerry Fink Dyke.

A memorial service celebrating Dan's life will be held on October 1, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. with a reception immediately following at Forest Park The Woodlands Funeral Home, 18000 Interstate 45 South, The Woodlands, Texas. A private family graveside service will be held at a later date in Timpson, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Dan's honor to the Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org/get-involved-now.

"Those we love don't go away. They walk beside us every day, unseen, unheard, but always near; still loved, still missed, and forever dear."