Thomas Johnston

Thomas Watts Johnston, 81, a long-time resident of Hinsdale and Burr Ridge, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 7th, 2017, surrounded by his family. Tom was born in Terre Haute, Indiana, to Frances and E.I. Johnston and raised in Shelbyville, Illinois. He graduated with honors from the University of Illinois in 1958 and earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Illinois School of Law in 1961. While in college, he served as a Senior Manager of Star Course, bringing in many notable musicians including the Berlin Philharmonic, Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong. During that time, Tom met the love of his life, Edie, with whom he shared 57 wonderful years of marriage. Gifted with a curious, powerful intellect and a strong voice, Tom found career success in commercial litigation with Chadwell & Kayser, then Keck, Mahin & Cate. He was deeply committed to community, serving as Chairman of the Hinsdale Planning Commission and as one of the key founders of the Robert Crown Health Center. He served on the board of Soli Deo Gloria, an organization dedicated to the composition of sacred classical music. Long-time active members of Christ Church of Oak Brook, Tom was an elder and along with Edie, taught Sunday School for 20 years. Tom had a strong Christian faith, a steadfast tenderness toward his family, and a deep love of music. He is survived by his wife, Edith, nee Boyd; children Beth Frances Stephenson (Scott) , Thomas Boyd Johnston, and Julie Anne Johnston; grandchildren Rev. Peter N. Johnston (Carla), Emma, Abigail, Claire and Rebecca Johnston, Virginia and Caroline Stephenson; great-grandchildren Elsie, Horatio, and Madalena Johnston; brother Robert C. Johnston (Debi), and many nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service was held Saturday, June 17 at 10:30 a.m. at Christ Church of Oak Brook, 31st & York Rd. Oak Brook. Memorials may be made to: Christ Church of Oak Brook, Soli Deo Gloria, Hinsdale Hospital Foundation, or the Robert Crown Center for Health Education. Arrangements by Sullivan Funeral Home Hinsdale, 630-323-0275 or www.sullivanfuneralhomehinsdale.com