Funeral ceremonies for Donald Johnston, 89, of Pima, were conducted Friday, April 6, at the Pima LDS Chapel by Bishop Lynn Saline. Concluding ceremonies followed in the Thatcher Cemetery.
Donald Leroy Johnston was born June 12, 1912, in Sanford, Colo., the son of Hiram and Willa Johnston. He was one of 12 children born unto this union. At the age of two, Donald's family relocated to Pima and later to Glenbar, as his father rented a farm there.
Following his education at Pima High School, Donald married his high school sweetheart, Ina Grace Higgins, on Nov. 23, 1932. Together Donald and Ina began raising their young family. As he worked on the family farm, Ina remained in the home tending to the children. In 1939, Donald obtained work as a mechanic at a garage in Duncan and later at Ash Peak Mine in 1946.
In 1949, Donald and Ina moved to Medford, Ore., where he worked for a logging business. In 1951, they returned to the Gila Valley, where Donald worked for the Graham County Sheriff's Department and later at John Deere Company. In 1956, Donald gained work with the Arizona State Highway Department. In 1974, following several years of dedicated service, Donald retired from the highway department.
In retirement, Donald tended to Ina, as she was suffering from a decline in health. Donald will be remembered as a loving father, brother and friend to many. Donald was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Donald is survived by his son, LaVon; his daughter, Sally; two brothers, Orvel and Doyle; two sisters, Vada and Ila; 14 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great grandchildren.
Arrangements were entrusted to Bunker's Caldwell Chapel.
Donald Leroy Johnston was born June 12, 1912, in Sanford, Colo., the son of Hiram and Willa Johnston. He was one of 12 children born unto this union. At the age of two, Donald's family relocated to Pima and later to Glenbar, as his father rented a farm there.
Following his education at Pima High School, Donald married his high school sweetheart, Ina Grace Higgins, on Nov. 23, 1932. Together Donald and Ina began raising their young family. As he worked on the family farm, Ina remained in the home tending to the children. In 1939, Donald obtained work as a mechanic at a garage in Duncan and later at Ash Peak Mine in 1946.
In 1949, Donald and Ina moved to Medford, Ore., where he worked for a logging business. In 1951, they returned to the Gila Valley, where Donald worked for the Graham County Sheriff's Department and later at John Deere Company. In 1956, Donald gained work with the Arizona State Highway Department. In 1974, following several years of dedicated service, Donald retired from the highway department.
In retirement, Donald tended to Ina, as she was suffering from a decline in health. Donald will be remembered as a loving father, brother and friend to many. Donald was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Donald is survived by his son, LaVon; his daughter, Sally; two brothers, Orvel and Doyle; two sisters, Vada and Ila; 14 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great grandchildren.
Arrangements were entrusted to Bunker's Caldwell Chapel.
Funeral ceremonies for Donald Johnston, 89, of Pima, were conducted Friday, April 6, at the Pima LDS Chapel by Bishop Lynn Saline. Concluding ceremonies followed in the Thatcher Cemetery.
Donald Leroy Johnston was born June 12, 1912, in Sanford, Colo., the son of Hiram and Willa Johnston. He was one of 12 children born unto this union. At the age of two, Donald's family relocated to Pima and later to Glenbar, as his father rented a farm there.
Following his education at Pima High School, Donald married his high school sweetheart, Ina Grace Higgins, on Nov. 23, 1932. Together Donald and Ina began raising their young family. As he worked on the family farm, Ina remained in the home tending to the children. In 1939, Donald obtained work as a mechanic at a garage in Duncan and later at Ash Peak Mine in 1946.
In 1949, Donald and Ina moved to Medford, Ore., where he worked for a logging business. In 1951, they returned to the Gila Valley, where Donald worked for the Graham County Sheriff's Department and later at John Deere Company. In 1956, Donald gained work with the Arizona State Highway Department. In 1974, following several years of dedicated service, Donald retired from the highway department.
In retirement, Donald tended to Ina, as she was suffering from a decline in health. Donald will be remembered as a loving father, brother and friend to many. Donald was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Donald is survived by his son, LaVon; his daughter, Sally; two brothers, Orvel and Doyle; two sisters, Vada and Ila; 14 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great grandchildren.
Arrangements were entrusted to Bunker's Caldwell Chapel.
Donald Leroy Johnston was born June 12, 1912, in Sanford, Colo., the son of Hiram and Willa Johnston. He was one of 12 children born unto this union. At the age of two, Donald's family relocated to Pima and later to Glenbar, as his father rented a farm there.
Following his education at Pima High School, Donald married his high school sweetheart, Ina Grace Higgins, on Nov. 23, 1932. Together Donald and Ina began raising their young family. As he worked on the family farm, Ina remained in the home tending to the children. In 1939, Donald obtained work as a mechanic at a garage in Duncan and later at Ash Peak Mine in 1946.
In 1949, Donald and Ina moved to Medford, Ore., where he worked for a logging business. In 1951, they returned to the Gila Valley, where Donald worked for the Graham County Sheriff's Department and later at John Deere Company. In 1956, Donald gained work with the Arizona State Highway Department. In 1974, following several years of dedicated service, Donald retired from the highway department.
In retirement, Donald tended to Ina, as she was suffering from a decline in health. Donald will be remembered as a loving father, brother and friend to many. Donald was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Donald is survived by his son, LaVon; his daughter, Sally; two brothers, Orvel and Doyle; two sisters, Vada and Ila; 14 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great grandchildren.
Arrangements were entrusted to Bunker's Caldwell Chapel.
Family Members
Siblings
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Advertisement
