In Memory Of
G. Wayne Johnston
G. Wayne Johnston
G. Wayne Johnston, 85, St. Joseph, MO, formerly of Topeka, passed away on Sunday, October 9, 2011.
Wayne was born February 9, 1926 in Eskridge, KS, the son of Guy and Nell (McElhinney) Johnston. He graduated from Eskridge High School and Kansas State Teachers College of Emporia.
He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II aboard the USS Ostara.
He taught speech and drama for three years at Trego Community High School in WaKeeney; sold mutual funds for Waddell and Reed in Topeka for a short time, before starting his career with Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Kansas in Hutchinson. His career with BCBS focused on sales, marketing and enrollment. He served in numerous capacities throughout the company. His career with Blue Cross & Blue Shield lasted for 37 years, retiring as President and CEO in 1990.
He served on the board of directors of both Merchants National Bank and Commerce Bank & Trust and served as President of March of Dimes. He was a member of the Lions Club, Countryside United Methodist Church, American Legion, Topeka Country Club and Ducks Unlimited. He was also active with the Emporia State University Alumni Association and had received the Distinguished Alumni Award in 1986.
His devotion to his family was always his top priority. He was an avid collector of antique sports memorabilia and antique wooden decoys. His interest included fishing, hunting, golfing and outdoor activities. Wayne married Phyllis Meeker on March 9, 1946 in Eskridge. They were married 51 years. She died April 4, 1997. Survivors include daughter, Vicky (Don) Wheeler, Bonner Springs, KS; son, Steve (Janet) Johnston, St. Joseph, MO; grandchildren, Brad, Michael, Jill, Megan, Ashley; great grandchildren, Alex, Annie, Abby, Sam and Emma; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Ronald Johnston.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 13, 2011 at Penwell-Gabel Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Road, Topeka. Private burial will be in the Eskridge cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
The family suggests expressions of sympathy be in the form of memorials to the Alzheimer's Association, 4125 SW Gage Center Drive, Suite LL15, Topeka, Kansas 66604 or Living Community of St. Joseph, 1206 Heartland Road, St. Joseph, MO. 64506.
Wayne was born February 9, 1926 in Eskridge, KS, the son of Guy and Nell (McElhinney) Johnston. He graduated from Eskridge High School and Kansas State Teachers College of Emporia.
He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II aboard the USS Ostara.
He taught speech and drama for three years at Trego Community High School in WaKeeney; sold mutual funds for Waddell and Reed in Topeka for a short time, before starting his career with Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Kansas in Hutchinson. His career with BCBS focused on sales, marketing and enrollment. He served in numerous capacities throughout the company. His career with Blue Cross & Blue Shield lasted for 37 years, retiring as President and CEO in 1990.
He served on the board of directors of both Merchants National Bank and Commerce Bank & Trust and served as President of March of Dimes. He was a member of the Lions Club, Countryside United Methodist Church, American Legion, Topeka Country Club and Ducks Unlimited. He was also active with the Emporia State University Alumni Association and had received the Distinguished Alumni Award in 1986.
His devotion to his family was always his top priority. He was an avid collector of antique sports memorabilia and antique wooden decoys. His interest included fishing, hunting, golfing and outdoor activities. Wayne married Phyllis Meeker on March 9, 1946 in Eskridge. They were married 51 years. She died April 4, 1997. Survivors include daughter, Vicky (Don) Wheeler, Bonner Springs, KS; son, Steve (Janet) Johnston, St. Joseph, MO; grandchildren, Brad, Michael, Jill, Megan, Ashley; great grandchildren, Alex, Annie, Abby, Sam and Emma; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Ronald Johnston.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 13, 2011 at Penwell-Gabel Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Road, Topeka. Private burial will be in the Eskridge cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
The family suggests expressions of sympathy be in the form of memorials to the Alzheimer's Association, 4125 SW Gage Center Drive, Suite LL15, Topeka, Kansas 66604 or Living Community of St. Joseph, 1206 Heartland Road, St. Joseph, MO. 64506.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of G. Wayne Johnston, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
5:30 - 7:30 pm (Central time)
Dove Cremations & Funerals - Southwest
Service
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Starts at 10:00 am (Central time)
Dove Cremations & Funerals - Southwest
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