Doug Johnston

Doug Johnston, 84, of Amarillo, formerly of Canyon, passed away on Monday, May 25, 2026. A private family celebration of his life will be held.

Doug was born on May 21, 1942, in Guymon, Oklahoma to Harold and Helen (Brown) Johnston. Following his graduation from Guymon High School in 1960, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served for eight years, including combat duty in the Korean and Vietnam wars. During his time in the service, he married his high school sweetheart and the absolute love of his life, Donna Sturdivan on July 26, 1963, in Straight, Oklahoma.

Doug received his Bachelor of Education from Oklahoma Panhandle State University and taught at Lamar, Colorado. He and Donna moved to Canyon in 1978 where he taught at Amarillo ISD for several years before teaching many years at Canyon Junior High School. He cared deeply for students who needed extra help.

Doug loved music, photography, movies, fishing, and was an avid OU sports fan and dog lover. He and Donna also enjoyed traveling throughout the United States, but his family was always his greatest passion and absolutely came first in his life. He was a longtime, faithful member of the First Methodist Church of Canyon.

Doug was loved by so many and will be lovingly remembered for his kindness, compassion, and genuine love for others. He dedicated his life to investing in people.

Doug is preceded in death by his parents and a grandson, Drew Friemel.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Donna Johnston; daughter, Alecia and Fred Friemel; five grandchildren, Malari and Kevin Casas, Hope and Blake Acton, Katie and Riley McCollum, Dillon Friemel, and Garrett Friemel; and two great-grandchildren, Ruby Acton and Tripp McCollum.

Because they were very dear to Doug’s heart, the family suggests memorials be to The Bridge, 804 Quail Creek Dr., Amarillo, TX 79124 or to Camp New Dawn, 37201 FM 1721, Happy, TX 79042.