Larry Johnston

Lawrence (Larry) Edgar Johnston was born on January 31, 1942 in Lebanon, Missouri to Charles I. Johnston & Alice (Greenstreet) Johnston. He died February 1, 2023 in Hollister, Missouri at the age of 81.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Loretta Smith and treasured brother-in-law Jim Smith of North Little Rock, Arkansas
He leaves behind his two children, Guy D. Johnston, Barbara (Rogers) of Branson, MO and Gina D. (Johnston) Patton, Howard of Downers Grove, IL; five grandchildren- Mark Patton, Taylor (Johnston) & Craig, Drey John (Jack) Patton, Zachary Johnston, and Brooke Patton. He is also survived by nephews Randy Smith & Debra (deceased), Marty Smith & Susan; nieces Becki Cleveland & Michael, Lori Wolfe & Mark and extended family nephew Brian Scott.
Larry graduated from Clinton High School, Clinton, MO, the class of 1960. After high school he enlisted in the US Air Force where he was an Aircraft Maintenance Technician on jet aircraft. His time in service included a 12-month deployment to Misawa, Japan serving as Crew Chief for the base's actions during the Vietnam conflict. After the US Air Force, Larry was a member of the VFW of West Memphis, Arkansas.
An avid stock car racing fan, Larry was also part of the pit crew for driver Benny Howard at Riverside Speedway in West Memphis. He was an early and lifelong fan of NASCAR.
Above all, Larry was a St. Louis Cardinals fan from childhood. He enjoyed listening to the KMOX broadcast and the highlight was attending games with his father at Sportman's Park.
Larry was an avid fisherman, serving as fishing guide on many winter Cardinal Caravans during the 1980's.
While working for Sun Oil Company in West Memphis he received a promotion and transferred to the Detroit, Michigan area for several years before settling back in the Ozarks in 1976 to be self-employed. He opened a DX/Sunoco gas station where the current Rapid Roberts sits at Business 65 & Hwy 248. Larry was a longtime Branson business owner. He built the Five Star Motel and The Super Stop gas station, deli, and convenience store across Business 65 from Cox (Skaggs) Hospital. After the closing of Super Stop, he went on to many other venues, restaurant management, and was among the first employees hired by Lowe's in Hollister. In recent years, he was an Evangel University Baseball fan getting watch his grandson Zach play.
By his example, he instilled love of country, and a strong work ethic in his children, nieces and nephews and grandchildren. When there was anything to be done, he would always say "Get after it and get it done!"
Services will be Friday, February 10, 2023. Graveside services will full military honors will be at 10:00 a.m. in Missouri Veterans Cemetery, 5201 S. Southwood, Springfield, MO. A celebration of Larry's life will follow the graveside at 12:00 p.m. on Friday in Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home and Crematory, 1638 E. Hwy 76 in Branson.
In lieu of flowers give to charity of your choice or Tunnel to Towers www.t2t.org.
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