The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

Howard Stewart Johnston, 92, was born on May 24, 1927, in Weir, Mississippi to Lula and James Johnston. He went home to the Lord on May 13, 2019.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Arlene, that he had been married to for 59 years. He also was preceded in death by his siblings, Margaret, Lenord, Raymond, and Billy Johnston; his son, Parker Thompson; and son-in-law, Richard Hudson.

Howard served in WWII in the Army Air Corps with two tours of duty in Germany during the Berlin Airlift. During his career as a working man he worked for the telephone company, vending machine business, a professional truck driver, and retired in Nederland, Texas as a sales representative for Affiliated Foods and McClain Distribution.

Howard was well known as a compassionate, tender hearted gentleman who had faith in God. He loved the outdoors, especially fishing and enjoyed listening to country music. Howard was a people person and never met a stranger. He would strike up a conversation at the drop of a hat. He took on a big job when he married Arlene and had an immediate family of children ranging in age from 1 to 7. They all grew up to have successful lives due to his guidance and love only a father can give.

He is survived by his children, Donald and wife Gladys, Dorothy Hudson, and Harold Thompson; grandchildren, Richard Arlen, Brian Stewart, Russell, Jennifer and Leslie; and 5 great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, May 17, 2019, at Orange Forest Lawn Cemetery in West Orange, Texas. Officiating will be Reverend David Millner, of Calvary Baptist Church in West Orange.