He was born on December 16, 1922 in Clearfield, the son of Walter William and Dorothy Pauline (Cushard) Johnston.
Walter graduated in June 1955 from the Pennsylvania State University, College of Agriculture with degree of Bachelor of Science in Horticulture, in June of 1959 from the Pennsylvania State University, College of Agriculture with teacher Certificate in Agriculture Education and Biological Science and in March of 1962 from the Pennsylvania State University, College of Education with a Masters degree in Counseling in Education.
Over his lifetime Walter had been employed as a Baker Apprentice at the Johnston’s Bakery, the Pennsylvania Department of Forests and Waters as a Nurseryman, was an Owner-Manager –Landscape Horticulturist, Susquehanna Pheasantry, Wallaceton, PA., Poultry Farmer and the Clearfield Area Senior High School as a Vocational Agriculture and Biology Instructor and Boys Guidance Counselor, retiring in 1984.
He was a United States Navy veteran having served during World War II in the Europe, Africa and Asia Theaters as a Seaman Gunner.
He was a member of National Wildlife Federation, Phi Alpha XT Honorary Floriculture Fraternity, Alpha Tau Alpha Honorary Agriculture Education Fraternity, Iota Alpha Delta honorary Counseling in Education Fraternity, Clearfield American Legion, Clearfield Volunteer Fire Department, West Side United Methodist Church of Clearfield, Clearfield Band, National Education Association, Clearfield Lodge #314 F. &A.M., Clearfield High School Alumni Association, Inc., Pennsylvania State Education Association, Clearfield School Counselors Association, Clearfield County Historical Society, Local #624 A.F. of Musicians, Clearfield Bradford Grange and the Clearfield Local P.S.E.A.
He is survived by his wife, Delma Kathleen (Thompson) Johnston, of Clearfield who he married October 14, 1942, a daughter, Patricia Lee Gorton, of Clearfield, a granddaughter, Chandra Dawnell Gorton and her fiancé, Bill Carbaugh of Clearfield, a great granddaughter, Charlee Ashlan Carbough and a sister, Patricia Lee Lavchuck, State College, PA and numerous nieces and nephews.
Walter was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, William E. Johnston and a son-in-law Rev. Rodger J. Gorton.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 22, 2013 at the Bennett and Houser Funeral Home, Inc., Clearfield, at 2:00P.M.
with Rev. Dr. Joleen A. Willis officiating. Interment will be in the Crown Crest Memorial Park, Hyde.
Friends will be received at the funeral home on Monday, July 22nd from 1:00 P.M. until the hour of the services. Military Honors will be accorded at the funeral home by the American Legion Post #6 and the VFW Post #1785 Honor Guard.
To send online tributes go to www.bennettandhouser.com or www.mem.com
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