Dr. Howard W. Johnston

Johnston, Dr. Howard W., 91 of Wichita died Wednesday, April 27, 2005 at Catholic Care Nursing Home. Howard W. Johnston, 91, born July 31st, 1913, in Traer, Iowa, to Reverend H. W. and Jane Stevenson Johnston. Raised in Chicago, he attended Coe College, graduating in 1935. He served in WWII in the Pacific Theater rising to the rank of major with the Army's 43rd Division. He attended Columbia University following the war where he eventually earned his Doctorate in Political Science. He married Jeanne Sheetz in 1947 and subsequently served with the Occupational Government in the American Sector of Berlin. During this time, he was the principal founder of the Free University of Berlin, which currently has an enrollment of 60,000 students. He joined the State Department following his return from Germany and worked in Washington D.C. until 1958 when he was named President of Anatolia College in Thessalonica, Greece. Six years in Greece was followed by deanships held at Iowa Wesleyan College in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, and Ft. Lewis College in Durango, Colorado. His last position before retirement was as the Executive Director of the Associated Colleges of Central Kansas based in McPherson. With retirement in 1977, Howard and Jeanne moved to Wichita where he became active in community affairs, first writing grants for the Arts in Wichita and later for the Educational Services of the Garvey Foundation. In the late 1980's he founded and became the first Director of the Global Learning Center in Wichita. He has been an active member of the Global Learning Center and East Heights UMC until his death. Surviving family include his wife, Jeanne; two sons, David E. and his wife Linda Johnston of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, William L. and his wife Sarah Johnston of El Dorado, Kansas; one sister, Margaret Hess of Dearborn, Michigan ; grandchildren, Jeff, Jennifer, Sharae, Matt and Elliott. He was preceded in death by two sisters. The Celebration of his Life will be held at 2 P.M. Monday, May 2, 2005 at East Heights United Methodist Church. A memorial has been established with the Global Learning Center, 829 N. Market Wichita, Kansas 67214. Contributions may also be left with the Kirby-Morris Funeral Home who is assisting the family with their arrangements