Gerald L. Johnston

Gerald L. Johnston, 96, formerly of Stockton, Kansas passed away January 18, 2015. He was born in Bow Creek Township, Kansas on November 5, 1918 to Ward and Elsie Johnston. Gerald shared his youth with 7 brothers growing up during the Great Depression on a farm south of Logan, Kansas.

After a stint with the Civilian Conservation Corps in Minnesota, Gerald met and married a neighbor girl, Della McCue on June 20, 1943. Gerald farmed and worked in the Logan and Stockton areas. He moved to Stockton in 1968. After a few years as produce manager with Webster's Supermarket, he ran for and was elected to the public office of Rooks County Probate Judge. He served his community for 10 years as judge and worked for the City of Stockton until his retirement. He lived in Hays for several years before moving to Topeka in 2013 to be closer to family.

Gerald enjoyed being busy with woodworking, fishing, hunting and golf. Farmers are the original handymen by necessity. He surprised a few of us when we learned he had taken piano lessons and could read music! He was a member of the Christian Church in Stockton.

He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Della; four children, Roger (Beverly) and Linda Benson of Topeka; Bruce (Sally) of Estes Park, CO; and Rick (Teri) of Cheyenne, WY; 6 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-grandchild.

A funeral service will be held at Dove Cremation & Funeral Service on Friday, January 23, 2015 at 11:00AM. Cremation will follow the service. Private inurnment will take place at a later date.