Robert G. Johnston

Robert G. “Bob” Johnston passed away at 1:46 p.m. Monday, March 23, 2015, at the Van Wert Area Inpatient Hospice Center.

He was born June 17, 1928, in Celina, to Paul and Grace (Hoel) Johnston, who both preceded him in death.

He graduated from Celina High School in 1947 and attended Miami University in Oxford. He served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict stationed in Germany as a hospital laboratory technician.

After discharge, he worked for Standard Oil Company and, in 1953, started his career at Central Mutual Insurance Company. He held a number of positions in the Personal Lines Underwriting Department until his retirement in 1990.

In 1953, he married Dorothy Jean (Sielschott) Johnston, who survives. He is also survived by his two sons and their families: Mark R. (Vicki) Johnston of Van Wert, granddaughter Melissa (Jason) Marsik and great-grandchildren Hannah and Brody Marsik, all of Florence, South Carolina; and Steven P. (Geri) Johnston of Van Wert, granddaughter Dawn (Jay) Evans, great-grandson Gavin Evans, all of Kannapolis, North Carolina; and stepgranddaughter Cara (Noah) Beall of Dayton.

Robert was a member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Van Wert, where he served his Lord as a Sunday School teacher, choir member, youth leader, and church council member and president. In his retirement, he cared for the church lawn for 17 years.

An avid golfer, he was particularly proud of his two holes-in-one at Hickory Sticks Golf Club (formerly The Woods Golf Club), where he was a member for many years. He also felt honored to receive a citation signed by President Harry Truman after he and his father rescued a woman from a submerged car.

Robert was a 50-year member of Celina Lodge 241, Free & Accepted Masons, and served as master of the lodge in 1961. He was district deputy of Order of DeMolay Chapter 15, and a holder of the Legion of Honor award from that organization.

Robert was a life member of Elks Lodge 1197, Hickory Sticks Golf Club, Willow Bend Country Club, and served as a Red Cross volunteer at Van Wert County Hospital.

A memorial service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday, March 27, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, with Pastors William Haggis II, Sharon Stonerock and Doug Meyer officiating.

Calling hours are from 2-6 p.m. Thursday, March 26, in the St. Mark’s Gathering Room and an hour prior to the service Friday at the church.

Preferred memorials: St. Mark’s Lutheran Church or Van Wert County Hospital.

Arrangements were handled by Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory in Van Wert.