Kenneth W. Johnston was born in Weatherford, Texas on May 10, 1933 to Milton “Pete” Johnston and Audine Porter. He graduated from Brock High School in 1950 where he fell in love with his life partner. Ken married his soulmate Aline Nicholson in 1951. They both attended Weatherford College before transferring to Texas Wesleyan College in Fort Worth. The US Army interrupted the pursuit of his degree and he was eventually sent to Fort Hancock in New Jersey. Gregory Wayne, the first of four boys was born while in the northeast. Upon his separation from the military, Ken and Aline moved back to Fort Worth to finish his degree. Son number two, Douglas Kenneth, came along shortly after. Weatherford beckoned him to return with his family and he was hired to teach and coach at Millsap High School. Ken and Aline made the joint decision while in Weatherford to begin their walk with the Lord, choosing to be baptized on a Sunday. Kenneth was baptized in the morning and Aline made the decision that evening. Aline waited until that evening because Gregory threatened to scream if he and Doug were left alone in the pews… It was a covenant that changed their lives and they never strayed from the path. They were members at Tarrant Road Church of Christ later named Turnpike C of C and now Cross Point C of C for 53 years (serving as a Deacon). The Johnston brood soon grew to five members with the birth of Stephen Ray. The family extended once more a few years later with the birth of their fourth son, Scott Alan.
Kenneth decided to move the family to Grand Prairie in 1968 for greener pastures. He was hired at Adams Junior High School as a science teacher and coach. He taught a few years before becoming an Elementary School Principal, serving at Florence Hill (twice), Sam Houston, and James Bonham. He had several summer jobs that included commercial painting, warehouseman, parks department playground supervisor, and Six Flags cash control. After retirement, he and Aline had a crafting business. She provided the creations and he provided the labor. Ken also worked several seasons at Texas Stadium with his son Scott. He continued serving as an unofficial volunteer coffee taster for Whataburger throughout his retirement years.
Kenneth enjoyed good health except for a few bad body joints but that never interfered with his joy of life or his service to the Lord or his family. The last few months were a struggle for all of us as he battled kidney cancer. He never complained once and was always willing to drink a cup of Whataburger coffee or a bowl of ice cream. He truly considered himself the luckiest man on the face of the earth! His last statement on the morning of his passing was to tell Aline “I LOVE YOU!”
Kenneth loved sports! Baseball was his favorite, followed closely by basketball and then football, but really anything competitive. He loved seeing kids’ or grandkids’ activities. He and Aline loved to travel and took many weekend trips to Fredericksburg, Eureka Springs and Branson. They also got to experience trips to Alaska, United Kingdom, and France. He was an avid reader of the Bible as well as many biographies and a few fictional titles.
Survivors
Wife: Ethel Aline Johnston
Siblings: Bobby Johnston
Mary Nell Taylor
Nona Poyner
Marcy Lowrance
Monty Johnston
Evelyn Parker
Sons: Gregory Wayne Johnston and Mary Joan
Douglas Kenneth Johnston and Debbie
Stephen Ray Johnston
Scott Alan Johnston and Madonna
Grandchildren:
Christopher Johnston
Catherine and Matt Worthy
Brian Johnston and Emily
Brent Johnston and Christie
Jordan Johnston
Robby Johnston and Rachel
Lauren Johnston
Colton Johnston and Emily
Aaron Johnston and Alyssa
Kristen Johnston
12 great grandchildren and host of nephews and nieces.
Internment:
DFW National Cemetery
Memorials:
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation.
DONATIONS
Parkinson's Disease Foundation
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