1936
Richard
2020
Richard D. Johnston
May 8, 1936 — September 29, 2020
Richard D. Johnston, age 84, of Marshall passed away Tuesday, September 29, 2020 at Oaklawn Hospital.
Mr. Johnston was born on May 8, 1936 in Marshall to Walter O. and Vena C. (Letts) Johnston. He was a lifelong resident of the Marshall area and was a graduate of Marshall High School, Class of 1954.
At that time, Richard was employed at State Farm in Marshall, and local grocery stores. Other employment included being a factory employee at local automotive industries. Dick then decided to join the family business, Stanley Packing of Marshall. He was employed there for over 20 years until his retirement.
Richard served the community as a volunteer firefighter with the Marshall Township Fire Department. He retired with over 25 years of service on the department as a Captain.
On September 12, 1959, he married the former Laura Joyce Stanley in the Marshall First Baptist Church.
Richard was a member of the Marshall First Baptist Church where he served as Finance & Building Committee Chairperson. In the 1990's, he was very involved in the reconstruction and remodeling of the Church. Dick was an avid sports enthusiast. His greatest pleasure was participating with and watching all of his kids and grandkids in their athletic endeavors, regardless the distance he would have to travel. He had been very involved in the Marshall softball and bowling leagues. During the early 1990's, he served as the coach for the Marshall High School Girls JV Softball team. He left a great impact on the youth of the Marshall community.
The family remembers Richard as a loving husband, father and grandfather. He had a strong love of the state's upper peninsula. He loved to camp with his family. His kids and grandkids have a lifetime of cherished memories camping with him and making annual trips to walk the Mackinaw Bridge on Labor Day.
The family lovingly called him the human road map as he had an uncanny way of knowing his way around, even though he had never been in an area before. If he was not at work or the ball park, he was behind the steering wheel of his car going to the store or just for a long ride.
Richard cherished his dogs. The family will always remember walking into his living room and seeing his golden retrievers sprawled across his lap.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Laura; children, Michael (Irene) Johnston of Marshall, Mark (Denise) Johnston of Battle Creek, Marcia Diamond of Battle Creek and Melissa (Gary) Watkins of Marshall; 5 grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren; a sister, Judy Munn of Florida and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A Celebration of Life gathering will be held at a later date. Friends who wish may make memorial contributions to the local Humane Society or to the family. Assistance with the memorials are available at the Kempf Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services 723 US Hwy 27 N, Marshall, MI 49068.
To leave a personal message and sign the online guest book, please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com.
Mr. Johnston was born on May 8, 1936 in Marshall to Walter O. and Vena C. (Letts) Johnston. He was a lifelong resident of the Marshall area and was a graduate of Marshall High School, Class of 1954.
At that time, Richard was employed at State Farm in Marshall, and local grocery stores. Other employment included being a factory employee at local automotive industries. Dick then decided to join the family business, Stanley Packing of Marshall. He was employed there for over 20 years until his retirement.
Richard served the community as a volunteer firefighter with the Marshall Township Fire Department. He retired with over 25 years of service on the department as a Captain.
On September 12, 1959, he married the former Laura Joyce Stanley in the Marshall First Baptist Church.
Richard was a member of the Marshall First Baptist Church where he served as Finance & Building Committee Chairperson. In the 1990's, he was very involved in the reconstruction and remodeling of the Church. Dick was an avid sports enthusiast. His greatest pleasure was participating with and watching all of his kids and grandkids in their athletic endeavors, regardless the distance he would have to travel. He had been very involved in the Marshall softball and bowling leagues. During the early 1990's, he served as the coach for the Marshall High School Girls JV Softball team. He left a great impact on the youth of the Marshall community.
The family remembers Richard as a loving husband, father and grandfather. He had a strong love of the state's upper peninsula. He loved to camp with his family. His kids and grandkids have a lifetime of cherished memories camping with him and making annual trips to walk the Mackinaw Bridge on Labor Day.
The family lovingly called him the human road map as he had an uncanny way of knowing his way around, even though he had never been in an area before. If he was not at work or the ball park, he was behind the steering wheel of his car going to the store or just for a long ride.
Richard cherished his dogs. The family will always remember walking into his living room and seeing his golden retrievers sprawled across his lap.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Laura; children, Michael (Irene) Johnston of Marshall, Mark (Denise) Johnston of Battle Creek, Marcia Diamond of Battle Creek and Melissa (Gary) Watkins of Marshall; 5 grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren; a sister, Judy Munn of Florida and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A Celebration of Life gathering will be held at a later date. Friends who wish may make memorial contributions to the local Humane Society or to the family. Assistance with the memorials are available at the Kempf Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services 723 US Hwy 27 N, Marshall, MI 49068.
To leave a personal message and sign the online guest book, please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Richard D. Johnston, please visit our flower store.
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