Obituary

Jearold Dean Johnston

Obituary

Jearold Dean Johnston, 78, died Thursday (April 8, 2010) at Via Christi-St. Francis campus in Wichita.

He was born on Jan. 7, 1932, in Hutchinson to Homer and Mary (Hobine) Johnston.

On Nov. 13, 1952, he married Oleta Sue Meekins in Wichita. She survives of the home.

Dean served his country as a U.S. Marine during the Korean War. He retired from the Santa Fe Railroad as a carman after nearly 39 years of service.

He was a member of the American Legion. He enjoyed gardening, fishing and bowling.

Family was very important to Dean, and he enjoyed following his grandchildren's sporting events. He greatly looked forward to spending time and laughing with his loving family and many friends.

He is survived by his wife, Oleta Sue (Meekins) Johnston of Newton; son James and Karla Johnston of Kiowa; daughter Becky and Dwaine Esau of Walton; sister Joann Moody of Garland, Texas; grandchildren Joshua, Brianna and Adam Esau of Walton, and Kelsie and Christian Johnston of Kiowa; and three great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and five brothers.

Visitation will be from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Petersen Funeral Home in Newton. The family will be present to greet friends from 2 to 4 p.m.

Services will be at 2 p.m. on Monday at Petersen Funeral Home with Pastor Brian Curran of First Church of God in Newton officiating. Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery in Newton.

Memorials can be made to KSU Center for Basic Cancer Research in care of Petersen Funeral Home.