Obituary of Kenneth W. "Ken" Johnston

Kenneth W. "Ken" Johnston, 80, of Springfield, formerly of Carlinville and Chatham, passed away Saturday evening, June 4, 2016 at St. Joseph's Home in Springfield, IL. Ken was born on September 2, 1935 to Stanley and Evelyn (Langhoff) Johnston in Lincoln, IL. He graduated from Atlanta, IL High School with the class of 1954 and also attended Blackburn College in Carlinville, as well as the University of Illinois. Ken served in the 3637'th Ordinance of Illinois Army National Guard. On April 5, 1958 he married Ruth Kirkland at the Carlinville United Methodist Church. Ken retired in 1987 as a mechanical engineer for Fiat Allis in Springfield. He then worked for JI Case in Wichita Kansas retiring from there in 1999. Ken was a member of the Chatham United Methodist Church, was an avid Chicago Bears and Cubs fan, as well as a Glenwood Redskins and Titans fan. He enjoyed golfing and could fix anything. Ken loved spending time with his grandsons and attending their many activities. Kenneth is survived by his wife, Ruth Johnston of Springfield, IL; son, Brian (Corie) Johnston of Springfield, IL; daughter, Kathy Sue Johnston of Chatham, IL; grandson's, Cody and Brady Johnston; brother, Eugene (Barbara) Johnston of Indio Hills, CA; two sisters, Linda (Joel) Floto of Sikeston, MO and Connie (Tim) Kuehl of Morrison, IL; two special in law's, John Kirkland (Marilyn) and Esther Cameron, as well as several nieces and nephews. Ken was preceded in death by his parents; 2 brothers, Donald and Robert and 2 sisters, Marilyn and Janice. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 7, 2016 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Carlinville United Methodist Church, Carlinville, IL. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, June 8, 2016 at 10:30 am at the church with Rev. Sara Isbell officiating. Burial will follow in Bethel Ridge Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Bethel Ridge Cemetery or Chatham United Methodist Church.