Johnny Johnston

Johnny Johnston, age 78, of Hampshire, passed away in the early morning hours of Friday, December 13, 2019.
He was born on April 7, 1941, in Elgin, IL, to proud parents Herbert and Jeannette (Boncosky) Johnston.
Johnny grew up on the family farm tending to his chores, morning and night. During the day he attended a one room school house, but when the family moved to Elgin, Johnny began going to the Junior High School.
High school sweethearts, Merrilee Mason captured his heart in junior high. That fateful day during a football game would lead to five years of dating before they walked down the aisle on April 22, 1961. They made their first homes in and around Elgin and were blessed with four wonderful girls. They eventually made a home in Burlington in 1977.
During the day, Johnny worked as a carpenter, plying his trade with dedication and strength. He would need that strength at the end of the day when he began his dream job as a farmer. His work ethic was like hardened steel but his heart was full of love for family and friends. When the children were still young, he left his carpentry tools behind and concentrated on farming rather than “pounding nails”.
Johnny was an old school farmer. A handshake sealed the deal and your word was your bond. He strove to teach his girls that they could do everything a boy could do, and many times better. Johnny was a man of few words, but could speak volumes with only a “thumbs up” sign. He leaves a legacy of lessons learned and a landscape of memories for his family and friends to treasure.
He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Merrilee Johnston; four daughters: Lisa (“Sparky”) Scott, Lori (Gary) Heissler, Lynn Johnston and Merrilee (Justin) Morgan; six grandchildren: Mackenzie Scott, Erica Heissler, Tanner Scott, Ryan Heissler, Caden Scott and Madisyn Morgan; several nieces, nephews and a countryside of friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Jeannette Johnston and two brothers: Herbert Johnston Jr. and David Johnston.
Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., with a memorial service to begin at 12 p.m., on Saturday, December 21, 2019, at Cornerstone United Methodist Church, 41W170 Russell Rd, Elgin, IL 60124. Private family burial will follow at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place
Memphis, TN 38105 or the Wounded Warriors Project, PO Box 758516 Topeka, KS 66675. Tributes may be forwarded to Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, or at www.conleycare.com.

Service to follow visitation

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., with a memorial service to begin at 12 p.m., on Saturday, December 21, 2019, at Cornerstone United Methodist Church, 41W170 Russell Rd, Elgin, IL 60124. Private family burial will follow at a later date.

Private family burial to take place at a later date.