Craig William Johnston

1956 - 2026

Odessa, Texas - Craig Johnston passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 8, 2026.

He was born and raised in Ludington, Michigan. He moved to Texas in 1980. He worked in the gas/oil industry, which allowed him to travel and see a large majority of the United States.

He attended Ludington High School and was active in band and football. He graduated in 1974 and went on to attend Ferris State College. He had many hobbies such as hunting, fishing and a love for sports cars. His favorite model was the 1969 Camaro, in which he owned several.

Craig had a big heart, always helping others and was a great friend to so many.

At an early age, he joined the local Boy Scout Troop 203 where he excelled and went on to achieve the Eagle Scout award in 1972. He learned a lot about the Native American culture in scouting, and it fascinated him. He went to join the local Explorer Post 736 where they tanned and made a drum, also a huge Teepee, all by hand. He furthered his interest in becoming a mentor for scouting in a few of the cities he worked/lived including the Lakota Indian Dancers Explorer Post in Odessa for a few years. He loved Native American dancing. He took great pride in perfecting his elaborate clothing and danced in what they call Old Style.

He was very good friends with Karen and Leland McCain. They became lasting friends through work and their love of Native American Dancing. Meeting up at different Pow Wow performances in Texas and Oklahoma.

Craig had a stroke in 2018 and was disabled. His strong will got him through some very tough times. He did live mostly independent, and relied on his good friends Karen and Leland McCain for help periodically. He became more so, this past year.

Parents Fred & Alice Johnston preceded him along with numerous Aunts, Uncle and Grandparents.

Craig is survived by his sister Sue (Tom Wypa) Johnston, his brother Tom Johnston and nephew Ben (Elizabeth) Johnston, Alvin and Carol Benson along with numerous cousins and their families.

Cremation and a small Celebration of Life service will be held in Midland, TX at American Heritage funeral home on Friday, February 27 at 2 pm.