Cleo W. "Johnny" Johnston

Memorial services for Cleo W. “Johnny” Johnston, 101, of Etoile will be held Saturday, September 23, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. in the Macedonia Baptist Church in Etoile with Brother Skipper Eberlan officiating. A private family burial was held at the Garden of Memories Memorial Park.

Mr. Johnston was born January 5, 1916 in Ratcliff, Texas to the late William Harvey and Lizzie Bell (Brock) and died Wednesday, September 13, 2017 at his residence. He married Irene Lord September 28, 1940 and celebrated 72 years of marriage until her death in 2013.

Mr. Johnston, formerly of Lufkin, served in the United States Navy during World War II as a Petty Officer in charge of an aircraft maintenance unit. From this experience he developed a love for flying. After the war he pursued this passion by becoming a licensed pilot and obtained multi-engine, instructor and commercial certifications.

He went to work for Brown & Root Construction Co. in 1938 and helped build Lufkin’s Southland Paper Mill. He became a full time employee with the mills opening in 1940 and retired in 1982 as Foreman of the Ground Wood Department.

“Johnny” and his wife, Irene, enjoyed retirement at their lakeside home on Sam Rayburn. The couple was blessed with a wonderful church family for 41 years at Macedonia Baptist Church in Etoile. His closing prayers for the morning service were an inspiration to the congregation.

He loved his dogs and enjoyed deer hunting and fishing. He killed his last buck (8 pointer) at the age of 101 in January of this year. He fished all over the United States and Canada, but most of all loved to catch fish at his favorite spots on Sam Rayburn. As members of The Good Sam’s Club, he and his wife traveled extensively, often taking their granddaughters with them. He attributed his longevity to having a project each day. He enjoyed yard work, walking his dog and maintaining his home. He loved watching sports, especially the Houston Astros and Dallas Cowboys. He also enjoyed Navy and Texas A&M football.

Survivors include his daughter, Kathy Richardson of Etoile; son, Dennis Johnston and wife Jacqui of Lufkin; grandchildren, Klair Shores and husband Kyle of Flower Mound, Susan Oettle and husband Phillip, Morgan Champagne and husband Rob, all of Austin, and Barrett Johnston of Dallas; great-grandchildren, Cameron Shores, Dalton Shores, Max Martinez, Judah Oettle, and Hannah Oettle; numerous special nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Irene Johnston; granddaughter, Dana Medford; son-in-law, Jim Richardson; and all seven siblings.

Memorial contributions may be made to Macedonia Baptist Church, P.O. Box 125, Etoile, Texas 75944 or Hospice in the Pines, 1504 W. Frank Avenue, Lufkin, Texas 75904.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.