Born Dec. 14, 1913, at Macomb Paul Webster Johnston, 92, formerly of Ava, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2006, at Autumn Oaks Caring Center in Mtn. Grove. He was born Dec. 14, 1913, at Macomb to Noah Webster and Dora (Bolt) Johnston. On April 8, 1934, he married Gladys Mary Willis at Norwood, and this union was blessed with three children.
Our Dad was a protector of his family, always watching to see we were not hurt. He provided shelter for us, and a large garden to feed us for many months of the year.
He was faithful in taking his family to church. He was a Sunday school teacher and served on the Deacon Board at Victoria Tabernacle in Kansas City, Kans. After retirement, they moved to Ava and he served as a deacon at Mansfield Assembly of God.
He worked for Armour and Company in Kansas City, Kans., for 42 years as the night superintendent and was over the sanitation department. The last ten years in St. Joseph, Mo., he was over the canning department. Armour honored him as the #1 Foreman over Production.
We appreciate Jim Bonner for caring for Dad, he would visit him and take him to lunch often. He was a special nephew and most of all, a good friend. He was greatly loved by Dad.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Gladys (Willis) Johnston; his parents, Dr. Noah Webster and Dora Johnston; one brother; and one sister.
He is survived by two sons, Carl Webster Johnston and his wife Yvonne, of Austin, Texas, and Steven Brett Johnston and his wife Leigh, of Overland Park, Kans.; one daughter, Joy Crainshaw, and her husband Larry, of Shawnee, Kans.; eight grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; other relatives and many, many friends.
Graveside services were conducted at 11 a.m., Monday, Feb. 6, 2006, at the Ava Cemetery with Rev. Stan Welch officiating. The arrangements and burial were under the care and direction of Barnes Family Funeral Home, Ava.
