Obituary for Donald Earl Johnston
Donald Earl Johnston, 90, of Canyon, passed away on Friday, June 25, 2021 in Amarillo. Services will be at 10:00 A.M. on Tuesday, June 29, 2021 at First Methodist Church of Canyon with Charlie Keys officiating. Burial will follow at Dreamland Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. on Monday, June 28, 2021 at Brooks Chapel in Canyon.
Donald was born on January 17, 1931 in Des Moines, Iowa to Gladys and Earl Johnston of Winterset, Iowa. He graduated from Winterset High School in May of 1948 and joined the Air Force immediately following where he served as a welding instructor. Donald married Virginia Lee Smith in October 1954 in Jefferson, Iowa. They owned and operated motels in Iowa until purchasing the Ranchouse Motel in Childress, Texas. In 1974, they purchased the Western Auto in Canyon, currently known as Johnston Hardware, which they operated until their son took over.
Don was a member of the First Methodist Church of Canyon and Canyon Rotary Club. He enjoyed fishing and was an avid follower of CHS sports. He especially loved his family and supported all their endeavors. His grandkids were extra special to him, especially when calling each kid and grandkid to sing “Happy Birthday” to each one every year.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Jim Johnston of Iowa.
Survivors include his wife, Virginia, of the home; children, Greg Johnston and wife Kim of Burtram, Cindy Fogiel of Canyon, Curt Johnston of Canyon and Mark Johnston of Canyon as well as his well-loved grandchildren, Brittany, Ryan, Ashley, Tanner, Leah, Rachel, Jarrett, Bradon, Trevor and 5 great-grandchildren.
Donald was born on January 17, 1931 in Des Moines, Iowa to Gladys and Earl Johnston of Winterset, Iowa. He graduated from Winterset High School in May of 1948 and joined the Air Force immediately following where he served as a welding instructor. Donald married Virginia Lee Smith in October 1954 in Jefferson, Iowa. They owned and operated motels in Iowa until purchasing the Ranchouse Motel in Childress, Texas. In 1974, they purchased the Western Auto in Canyon, currently known as Johnston Hardware, which they operated until their son took over.
Don was a member of the First Methodist Church of Canyon and Canyon Rotary Club. He enjoyed fishing and was an avid follower of CHS sports. He especially loved his family and supported all their endeavors. His grandkids were extra special to him, especially when calling each kid and grandkid to sing “Happy Birthday” to each one every year.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Jim Johnston of Iowa.
Survivors include his wife, Virginia, of the home; children, Greg Johnston and wife Kim of Burtram, Cindy Fogiel of Canyon, Curt Johnston of Canyon and Mark Johnston of Canyon as well as his well-loved grandchildren, Brittany, Ryan, Ashley, Tanner, Leah, Rachel, Jarrett, Bradon, Trevor and 5 great-grandchildren.