Gary Johnston

Gary Paul Johnston, of Colby, passed away March 21, 2018, after a short illness, at Colby Citizens Medical Center, at the age of 75 years, one month and 21 days. Gary was born to Walter Paul Johnston and Esther Ruth (White) Johnston, January 26, 1943 at St. Thomas Hospital in Colby, Kansas.

Gary attended a country school north of Colby in the elementary grades and then went to the Halford School, in Halford, Kansas. In the early 1960’s he continued his training at Parson’s State Hospital and Training Center, in Parsons, Kansas. He returned to Colby and worked for Don Phillips for many years, both at the Drive-In Theater and the downtown Colby Theater.

Gary attended Sunday school and Church at the First Christian Church in Colby and was baptized in December, 1954. He always looked forward to the fellowship of potlucks, and hymn singing.

Gary especially enjoyed riding his bike and bowling with his teammates at Colby Bowl. He regularly followed Colby High School football and basketball games either by radio or attending the games. He was a big fan of the KU Jaywalks as well as the Denver Broncos. Gary filled his days listening to his radio, and participating in activities, such as bible study and potluck dinners. In 1993 he moved to Prairie Senior Living Center and kept busy with chores, bingo, crafts and occasionally dancing at special events with the staff who were so kind to him.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Walt and Esther; as well as many aunts and uncles on the Johnston and White sides; his brother-law, Carl Fett; as well as his first and second cousins.

Surviving are his sisters, Virginia Fett, of Arvada, CO and Jean Ellis, of Houston, TX; his beloved nieces, Cheri Stang, of League, TX, Cynthia Metcalf (Steven), of Ft. Collins, CO and Susanne Trujillo (Dave), of Arvada, CO; nephews, Dennis (Linda), of Fredericksburg, TX, Randy (Lowana), and Robin Roberts, all of Dayton, TX; 18 great nieces and nephews and 12 great-great nieces and nephews.

Interment was at Beulah Cemetery. A graveside memorial service will take place at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, April 8, 2018 at Beulah Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Prairie Senior Living Complex or the Prairie Museum of Art and History, in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, Kansas. For condolences or information visit www.baalmannmortuary.com