Eugene A. ‘Gene’ Johnston, 67, of Curwensville died after a courageous battle against cancer on Thursday, Feb. 4, 2016. He died at his home with his wife at his side.
He was born Aug. 31, 1948 in Philipsburg, a son of the late Woodrow A. and Helen E. (Cruikshank) Johnston.
After graduating high school, he went to work for Michael Baker Construction in Rochester before being drafted in the U.S. Army to serve during the Vietnam Era.
Upon his honorable discharge and being awarded the Bronze Medal for his service, he worked at Green Construction Co., helping build the Raystown Lake Dam.
He had also been employed by Amos L. Dolby Explosive Co. in Clarion and the D.C. Guelich Explosive Co. in Clearfield. He then began his employment with Penelec, Clearfield, and retired in 2012 after 34 years of service as a lineman.
He had an incredible work ethic; however, he will be remembered by family and friends for enjoying his afternoon naps when he had the chance.
He was affiliated with the Curwensville Presbyterian Church and a life member of the Curwensville Rescue Hose & Ladder Company.
In his younger years, he belonged to the Curwensville Fire Police. He was also on the board of the Curwensville Ambulance Association.
He is survived by his wife, Patricia ‘Patty’ (Leonard) Johnston, to whom he was wed Sept. 21, 1974 in St. Bonaventure Catholic Church, Grampian.
He is also survived by a son, Cory Kenneth Johnston and his wife, Devon of Clearfield; three granddaughters, Eloise Anne, Dinah Jean and Audra Joy Johnston; his grand-dog ‘Boo’; two aunts, Thelma ‘Taffy’ Cruikshank of California and Donna Tubbs of Luthersburg; two sisters-in-law, Nancy Duffalo of DuBois and Louise Delio of Falls Creek; three brothers-in-law, John Leonard, Tom Leonard and Steve Leonard and his wife, Janice, all of Curwensville; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Kenneth A. Johnston.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at the Kevin A Beardsley Funeral Home, Clearfield, with Pastor Daniel Osterhout officiating. Burial will follow in the Crown Crest Memorial Park, Hyde.
Military honors will be accorded at the cemetery by the members of the Clearfield American Legion and VFW Honor Guard.
Friends will be received from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday and from 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. Monday at the funeral home.
The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to charity of choice.
To sign the online guestbook, go to www.beardsleyfuneralhome.com.
