Sherman C. Johnston Jr.
1928 - 2017
EMBDEN - Sherman C. Johnston Jr., retired tech sergeant in the United States Air Force, passed away Tuesday, July 18, 2017, at his log home in Embden, with his youngest brother by his side.
Sherman was born in Hartford, Conn., on Aug. 23, 1928, to Sherman and Clara (Fletcher) Johnston. The family moved back to Mars Hill shortly after Sherman was born. Growing up in Aroostook County with his brothers and sisters, he learned the value of hard work and a strong work ethic that would serve him well throughout his life.
He later moved to Madison to help out on the farm for his Aunt Annie and Uncle C.K. Wheeler, because their son Murray had gone off to serve in World War II. Soon after, Sherman would also be called upon to serve his country.
He joined the Marines in 1951 and served in the Korean War. After his enlistment was up, he joined the Air Force and served in the Vietnam War. He returned in 1971 after 20 years of service. He stayed with Clifford and Queenie Clark and helped them as he could. He then finally found his spot on the hill in Embden in 1980, overlooking the Kennebec River.
Sherman was predeceased by his father and mother; brothers, Raymond, Dean and John; and half-brother, Cecil.
He is survived by his sisters, Hope Green, of Embden, and her significant other, Tom, of Togus; and Charlotte, of Connecticut; his brothers, Tom and his wife Janet, of Mars Hill; Fred, of Connecticut; Charlie and his wife Reni, of Massachusetts; and Robert (Joe), of Embden and New Sweden; his half-sisters, Gloria, of Bangor; Annie and her husband Mark, of Blaine; and Barbara, of Texas; his half-brothers, Edward, of Easton; Ralph and his wife Starr, of Hermon; Calvin and his wife Sherri, of Mars Hill; and Clyde, who was adopted shortly after his birth; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and a special nephew who was more like a son to him, Tom Green, and his wife Carol; special cousin Richard and his wife Shirley Fletcher, of Mars Hill; special friends, Rodney and his wife Lena Arnold, of East Madison; Nancy and Terry Whittemore, of Solon; Matt Strout and handyman Kevin Shaw; Mike and his gang at the Solon Superette; his favorite nurse Mary Beth Brown; also his dog Chinook; and cats Mockie and Goldie.
A funeral service will be held Friday, Aug. 4, 2017, at Solon Congregational Church at 1 p.m. Arrangements are under the direction and care of Giberson Funeral Home, 40 Maple St., Madison.
www.gibersonfuneralhome.com
In lieu of flowers, donations and gifts can be made in his memory
to your favorite animal shelter.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of Sherman. He and his brother Joe so kindly welcomed me into their Emden home in June to discuss my father, Richard Clinton Clark. Sherman provided me with some photos and valued insight into my family history on my father's side. I will forever be grateful for his kindness in learning more about my father and grandmother, Queenie Gehrke Clark.
Leon Swain
July 30, 2017
Wonderful man. I was his eye doctor and Queenie's. Kind man and a delight to talk to every time he came into my office. I will miss him.
Bill Lavin
July 27, 2017
So sorry for your loss!
A former Embden, Maine, resident,
Paul Vaillancourt
July 22, 2017
I've known Sherm my whole life. He was friends with my uncle Clifford Clark and my father Carroll Clark. He lived with my grandparents Clifford and Queenie Clark. He is a deer friend and 'uncle' to me and I loved him very much. I have great memories and will miss Sherm for the rest of my life.
Carol Ann Clark
July 22, 2017
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more