David R. Johnston

1929 - 2015

David R. "Dave" Johnston, 86, of Washington, died Thursday morning, December 3, 2015, in Washington County Health Center, Chartiers Township, following a lengthy illness.
He was born December 1, 1929, in Pittsburgh, a son of Allan Tucker and Mary Hill Johnston.
Mr. Johnston was a graduate of Mt. Lebanon High School, before attending Slippery Rock College. He was an outstanding football player at both schools. He later attended the University of Pittsburgh and Penn State University, earning his master's degree.
He spent 44 years as a teacher with Washington School District and was a varsity football and track coach for many years. He retired in 1993. He then coached track at Upper St. Clair High School.
Mr. Johnston served with the U.S. Army for two years in the Korean War. While in service, he played football at Camp Breckenridge, Ky., where he played in the 1952 Salad Bowl. He was a lifelong patriot and had vast knowledge of World War II history. He continued his membership in American Legion Post 175, until his death.
He was very active in the Washington community. Over the years, he served on Washington City Council, Washington School Board, Citizens Advisory Council, parking commission, and supervisor and later director of city playgrounds. Being a pyrotechnician, he enjoyed lighting off the city 4th of July fireworks. He was an avid "Indy 500" fan for more than 50 years and also a loyal fan of Penn State football. Spending summers at the cottage on Burt Lake, Mich., were among his fondest memories.
As a mason, he belonged to William McElroy Lodge No. 269 and Gourgas Lodge of Perfection, and was a member of Washington Elks Lodge. He was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church of Washington and often walked to and from church each Sunday, singing hymns along the way.
Induction into the Washington/Greene County Hall of Fame, Knights of Columbus Coach of the Year in Football and NAACP Man of the Year, were honors he was proud to receive.
On June 20, 1964, in Mt. Lebanon, he was married to Ann Margaret Ward, who survives.
Also surviving are two daughters, Janis (Clark) McKenna of Big Rapids, Mich., and Barbara (Frank Bryan) Jones of Washington; five grandchildren, Haley, Cole and Holly McKenna, Hannah and Sarah Bryker; a sister-in-law, Elaine Johnston; a niece, Diane Graves; and a nephew, David Johnston.
Mr. Johnston leaves behind his faithful golden retriever, Tucker.
Love for family and friendships were very important to him.
Deceased, in addition to his parents, is a brother, Allan Johnston.
Friends will be received from noon to 3 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday in Hummell & Jones Funeral Home, 420 Locust Avenue, Washington, Thomas W. Hummell, supervisor, Douglas M. Jones, director. Services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Monday, December 7, in First United Methodist Church, 29 North College Street, Washington. Everyone is asked to meet at the church. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Gardens, McMurray. Graveside military honors will be offered by American Legion Post 175 and U.S. Army representatives. A brief Masonic service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday in the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donation in his memory to Washington School District Athletic Fund for a track scholarship in Coach Johnston's name, 201 Allison Avenue, Washington, PA 15301, or a charity of one's choice.
Messages of condolence may be left at www.hummellandjones.com.