Walter C. Johnston, 90, of Clearfield and most recently of Bedford, died Wednesday, July 17, 2013 at the Bedford Colonial Courtyard.
He was born Dec. 16, 1922 in Clearfield, the son of Walter William and Dorothy Pauline (Cushard) Johnston.
Mr. Johnston graduated in June of 1955 from the Pennsylvania State University, College of Agriculture, with Bachelor’s degree in horticulture. In June of 1959, he graduated with a teacher’s certificate in agriculture education and biological science. And, in March of 1962, he graduated from the Pennsylvania State University, College of Education with a Master’s degree in counseling in education.
Over his lifetime, he had been employed as a baker apprentice at the Johnston’s Bakery; a nurseryman with the Pennsylvania Department of Forests and Waters; an owner/manager landscape horticulturist at Susquehanna Pheasantry, Wallaceton; a poultry farmer; and a vocational agriculture and biology instructor and boy’s guidance counselor with the Clearfield Area High School. Mr. Johnston retired in 1984.
He was a U.S. Navy veteran and served during World War II in the Europe, Africa and Asia Theaters as a seaman gunner.
He was a member of National Wildlife Federation, Phi Alpha XT Honorary Floriculture Fraternity, Alpha Tau Alpha Honorary Agriculture Education Fraternity, Iota Alpha Delta Honorary Counseling in Education Fraternity, Clearfield American Legion,
Clearfield Volunteer Fire Department, West Side United Methodist Church of Clearfield, Clearfield Band, National Education Association, Clearfield Lodge No. 314 F&AM, Clearfield High School Alumni Association Inc., Pennsylvania State
Education Association, Clearfield School Counselors Association, Clearfield County Historical Society, Local No. 624 A.F. of Musicians, Clearfield Bradford Grange and the Clearfield Local P.S.E.A.
He is survived by his wife, Delma Kathleen (Thompson) Johnston of Clearfield, whom he married Oct. 14, 1942; a daughter, Patricia Lee Gorton of Clearfield; a granddaughter, Chandra Dawnell Gorton and her fiancé, Bill Carbaugh of Clearfield; a great-granddaughter, Charlee Ashlan Carbough; and a sister, Patricia Lee Lavchuck of State College; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, William E. Johnston and a son-in-law, the Rev. Rodger J. Gorton.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday at the Bennett and Houser Funeral Home Inc. of Clearfield with the Rev. Dr. Joleen A. Willis officiating. Burial will be in the Crown Crest Memorial Park, Hyde.
Friends will be received from 1 p.m. until the hour of the services Monday at the funeral home. Military Honors will be accorded at the funeral home by the American Legion Post No. 6 and the VFW Post No. 1785 Honor Guard.
To send online tributes, go to www.bennettandhouser.com or www.mem.com.
