Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
George Johnston Obituary
PEORIA - George M. Johnston, 85, of Peoria passed away at 7:03 a.m. Wednesday, May 16, 2007, at Baylor Grapevine Medical Center in Grapevine, Texas.
He was born May 9, 1922, in Peoria to Frank and Julia (Nash) Johnston. He married Norma Burling on Feb. 16, 1946, in Peoria. She survives.
Also surviving are his daughter, Jill (Stephen) Stotler of Peoria; one son, Jack (Josie) Johnston of Grapevine, Texas; four grandchildren, Jessica (Jamie) Nisbet of California, Jason Johnston of Texas, Katie (David) Bayt of Indiana and Bradley (Betsy) Stotler of Washington, D.C.; and one sister, Betty Holland of Peoria.
He was preceded in death by his parents, six brothers and three sisters.
George joined the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1940 and then enlisted in the U.S. Army and served from 1942 to 1945.
He graduated from Bradley University with a master's degree in political science.
He served as a Peoria alderman for the 10th Ward from 1964 to 1966. George worked as a teacher with District 150 for more than 30 years, teaching at several of the area high schools and was the varsity tennis coach and freshman football coach at Richwoods High School. After retiring, he worked as the Peoria County circuit clerk and then as a bailiff with the Peoria County courts.
He was a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2602 in Peoria Heights.
Services will be at 7 p.m. Friday, May 25, 2007, at Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home. The Rev. Jack Thompson will officiate. Cremation rites will follow the service.
Memorials may be made in George's memory to a charity of the donor's choice.
Online tributes and condolences may be submitted to www.mem.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for George Johnston
Stu Galland
June 19, 2007
I first met George as a young high school football player in Washington,IL. His famous smile and easy rapport with the kids soon made him a favorite. Fortunately, I was able to keep in contact with George over the years and was able to help him with some projects while he practiced politics in Peoria. I am honored to call George a true friend.
Scott Johnston
June 3, 2007
In his 85 years on this earth, George enriched the lives of all he encountered. I was doubly blessed to be able to call him my uncle. He will be dearly missed by both family and friends. My thoughts and love are with you Norma, Jack, and Jill.
Barbara Patterson
May 24, 2007
George Johnston, was my boss at the Courthouse when he was acting Circuit Clerk. He was a great guy and a great boss. He also has my Bradley playing cards. He will be missed terribly. I'm sorry I can't make the visitation as I will be out of town for the weekend. Norma, stay strong. Barb Patterson
Don Spawn
May 24, 2007
I'm grateful that I had a chance to visit with George and get to know him briefly at Brad & Betsy's wedding. I was amazed at the youth of his mind...and the greatness of his character was immediately apparent. He was instantly likeable and very interesting to talk with. The fullness of his life and the time you had with him would be something I hope you can all truly CELEBRATE at this time... but I know from my own experiences, it's difficult to do when your heart is aching with the pain of loss.
Wish we could be with you.
Love, Don Spawn
Jackie Hines
May 24, 2007
George Johnston was my highschool history teacher. He was a very special person.
Katie Bayt
May 23, 2007
George Johnston is my grandpa. I know that a lot of who I am today is because of him. He was a scholar, a gentleman, a lover, a fighter, an idealist, a hard worker, a soldier, a father, a teacher, a friend, a jokester, a dancer, a late-night wanderer, and the meanest Scrabble player I know. He loved his life. He is the epitome and definition of what has come to be know as "the Greatest Generation." I will miss him terribly and will keep his spirit with me forever.
May 23, 2007
mark ruf
Adele Traficano
May 23, 2007
Norma, I do not know if you will remember me but I surely remember you and George from the times we had at Richwoods. You were very blessed to have him for such a long number of years. Know you and your family will miss him terribly. My heartfelt sympathy and prayers that you may be comforted.
Sincerely, Adele Traficano (Rigoli)
Tom Hexamer
May 23, 2007
To the Family of George Johnson. George was directly responsible for setting this fellow on the right track many years ago at Washington Community High School..
A Great Coach, Terrific Teacher-Mentor...Best of All a True Friend I shall cherish for All Time. I know he touched the lives of many more... God Bless!
Tom Hexamer WCHS Class of 56'
Chris avin
May 23, 2007
I am truly saddened by the death of Coach Johnston. I will never forget the gold shoes he wore during our practices.Although its been almost 40 years since I was at Richwoods with the coach,we kept the friendship alive as both a coach and a neighbor growing up.Men like Coach Johnson come along only once in a while and he will truly be missed by his players.
GENE LYONS
May 23, 2007
George was a well like and very intelligent man.He was a person you could talk to and know he would listen and have a good comment to it.His editorials in the PJS were always very good and came to the point and easy to understand.Even when you disagreed with George he still treated you the same.I am a VFW member,too and it is where I met George.George helped in many ways at the VFW!He will be greatly missed by many.GENO
Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results
Make a Donation
in George Johnston's name
Memorial Events
for George Johnston
How to support George's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor George Johnston's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
