Donald Vernon Johnston

JOHNSTON Sr., Donald (Don) Vernon (Red) After a long struggle with cancer, Donald Vernon Johnston died at home with his family on May 11, 2006, at the age 64. After graduating from Friendsville High School, Don served in the Army at Ft. Riley, Kansas, and then followed his military stint with a long career in the airline industry. He was employed by Delta Airlines, Knox Air for 15 years and Tac Air at the time of his death. Don and his wife were members at Meadow United Methodist Church in Greenback. He was preceded in death by his father, James A. Johnston, Sr.; infant son, Donald V. Johnston, Jr.; brother, James (Jim) Johnston, Jr. Survivors include his wife, Jane Goddard Johnston; daughter and son-in-law, Linda (John) Houston; daughter, Sheena Lynn Johnston of Columbus, OH; granddaughter, Michelle Stinnett; grandson, Ernie Stinnett, Jr.; mother, Margaret Gillespie Johnston; sister, Gwen (Richard) Beem; sister-in-law, Nadine (James Isaac) Messler; nieces, Tammi (Dave) Helderman of Lawrenceville, IL, Kristin (Jeff) Pryor, Megan (Shannon) Boring, Mary (Jason) Brown, Amelia Keller, Patty Armstrong, Cindy (Daniel) Pack; nephews, Tom (Pattie) Beem, Richard Beem, II, Alan (Wendy) Messler; great nieces and nephews, Tara and Jamie Helderman of IL, Jordan Chaney and Gracie Pryor, Emily and Jake Boring, Tyra, Haylee and Jase Brown, Thomas and Madison Beem, Mason Shea Messler; aunts and uncles, Jewell and Buck Newman, Bennette Gillespie, Pud and Bob Phipps of Cartersville, GA, Kenneth and Imogene Johnston of Cleveland, TN. Don will be remembered for his infectious sense of humor, his genuine care for others, and his untiring work ethic. A son, husband, brother, father, uncle, and best friend, he fulfilled each role with his characteristic charm and pride. Although he enjoyed a simple and quiet life, he was a favorite of all who met him, especially children. In the words of W. H. Auden, “For every day they die among us , those who were doing us some good, who knew it was never enough but hoped to improve a little by living.” All those who met Don Johnston were blessed for knowing him, and we will miss him. Funeral services will be held at 7:30 p.m. Friday in McCammon-Ammons-Click Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Kenneth Tucker and Chaplain Tom Rayford officiating. Family and friends will meet at 11:00 a.m. Saturday at Holston College Cemetery for the interment service. The family will receive friends from 6-7:30 p.m. Friday at McCammon-Ammons-Click Funeral Home, Maryville. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Meadow United Methodist Church, c/o Debra Gaston, 1245 Fork Road, Greenback, TN 37742 or Covenant HomeCare Hospice, 3001 Lake Brook Boulevard, Suite 101, Knoxville, TN 37909. McCammon-Ammons-Click Funeral Home, Maryville 982-6812