Donald "Howie" Johnston

Donald Howard Johnston (Howie), age 63, beloved brother, uncle and son, went home to God on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.

The final journey was peaceful, easy, and blessed. He passed while in comfort care at UTMC, Knoxville, with his sister at his side. He was born in Loudon, Tennessee. He spent decades living in Aurora Illinois. He moved to Knoxville Tennessee in 1995. Howie spent a couple of his teenage years in Mexico!

He was an artist. His love of beauty and his sense of humor were an integral part of his soul. One of five, he spent his life surrounded by family. Preceded in death by his mother, Peggy Anita Brakebill; father, Donald Johnston; brothers, James Kirk Johnston, and Adam Scott Johnston; sister-in law, Terry Jarvis-Johnston and his grandparents, Gilbert and Callie Garner Johnston and Mildred Ruth Porter; numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He is survived by his sister, Connie Johnston and brother, Ed Johnston. He leaves behind five nieces, their partners, and their children. All are important but without Amber and Chris Amundson and Destiny Ann Ballew we could not have rowed the boat. Aunt Freda Sharp and cousin Henry "Jay" Bright were also a big piece of his world. Critical mention must include special friends Pamela Ann Russell and Tom Donlan, great-nephew Caleb Amudson, and the family of my deceased partner Greg Reeves. Sharon Reeves Long always had a place at the holiday table for Howie. To his friends at the Elks Lodge, at West Hills Heath and Rehabilitation; to every nurse or doctor that gave comfort and care; to all of Howie's friends and relatives – may God bless and keep you in the palm of his hand. That is where Howie sits now.

Services will be at Clicks Chapel, 9020 Middlebrook Pike, Knoxville, 37923, on Sunday, February 15th. Visitation from 2pm until 4pm with a service to follow. Refreshments will be offered at the Elks Lodge 5600 Lonas Drive, Knoxville 37909 after the service. Howie's birthday party will be held on Friday the 13th of March at the Elks Lodge, 6:30pm – 10:30pm. Music, food, and a bonfire at dusk. We will be burning many of Howie's medical "trappings." His ashes will be laid to rest later at Union Fork Creek Baptist Church, Louden, alongside his mother, brother, and grandmother.