(From Clark Funeral Home)Donald Carol Johnston, age 87, of Stella, Missouri, passed away at 10:20 a.m. on Tuesday, August 31, 2021, at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Missouri. He was born October 12, 1933, in Brinkley, AR, the son of Stanford Garland and Bedelia June (Dean) Johnston.
On December 17, 1958, he married Nina Quinn (Harvey) Johnston in Monett, Missouri, she survives.
Don graduated from high school in 1951 and graduated from Harding College in Searcy, AR and received his Masters to become a school administrator from Pitt State University. He served in the U.S. Army from 1955-56.
Don graduated from high school in 1951 and graduated from Harding College in Searcy, AR and received his Masters to become a school administrator from Pitt State University. He served in the U.S. Army from 1955-56.
His first job was coach at Wheaton, then principal at Stella for 3 years and principal at Diamond for 2 years. He was principal at Midway until consolidation and formation of the East Newton School District where he served until his retirement in 1987.
After retirement, he worked as a seasonal National Park Ranger at the Big Hole National Battlefield, Montana for 10 years. He was a member of the Newtonia Battlefield Association and the Friends of the Nez Perce Battlefields in Montana.
He was a staunch advocate of education and was quick to identify at-risk students. He often quoted, “Never take credit for the success of students who would make it with or without you. Instead, ask yourself who would not have made it had you not been there to help them.” He had a substantial collection of quotes and sayings. One many of us surely heard (possibly more than once) was “You fly with the crows, you get shot with the crows.” He truly believed in natural consequences!
He was a true Patriot: An East Newton Patriot as well as an American who loved this country. He always kept a supply of pocket Constitutions to give to anyone he could.
Additional survivors include a daughter Julie Johnston of Joplin; a son Davis Johnston of Joplin; a granddaughter, Laurinn Johnston of St. Augustine, Florida and Laurinn’s mother, Chelly Johnston.
VISITATION
After retirement, he worked as a seasonal National Park Ranger at the Big Hole National Battlefield, Montana for 10 years. He was a member of the Newtonia Battlefield Association and the Friends of the Nez Perce Battlefields in Montana.
He was a staunch advocate of education and was quick to identify at-risk students. He often quoted, “Never take credit for the success of students who would make it with or without you. Instead, ask yourself who would not have made it had you not been there to help them.” He had a substantial collection of quotes and sayings. One many of us surely heard (possibly more than once) was “You fly with the crows, you get shot with the crows.” He truly believed in natural consequences!
He was a true Patriot: An East Newton Patriot as well as an American who loved this country. He always kept a supply of pocket Constitutions to give to anyone he could.
Additional survivors include a daughter Julie Johnston of Joplin; a son Davis Johnston of Joplin; a granddaughter, Laurinn Johnston of St. Augustine, Florida and Laurinn’s mother, Chelly Johnston.
VISITATION
Clark Funeral Home - Granby
Thursday, September 02, 2021
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Hwy B at Hwy 86
Granby, Missouri 64844
FUNERAL SERVICE
Thursday, September 02, 2021
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Hwy B at Hwy 86
Granby, Missouri 64844
FUNERAL SERVICE
Clark Funeral Home Granby Chapel
Friday, September 03, 2021
10:00 AM
12787 B. Hwy.
Granby, MO 64844
Interment will follow in the Macedonia Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the East Newton Foundation, c/o Clark Funeral Home, PO Box 26; Granby, Missouri 64844
Friday, September 03, 2021
10:00 AM
12787 B. Hwy.
Granby, MO 64844
Interment will follow in the Macedonia Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the East Newton Foundation, c/o Clark Funeral Home, PO Box 26; Granby, Missouri 64844
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