Obituary of Donald W. Johnston

Leaving his earthy presence to be with his Heavenly Father on May 10, 2014 was Donald W. Johnston Sr. Mr. Johnston was born in Oceanside, California and had just turned 90 years old several days earlier. His parents Frank and Bessie Johnston, along with his siblings, had moved to the Santa Maria area in 1936. He attended local Orcutt and Santa Maria schools. After graduating from Santa Maria High he joined the US Army Air Corps. Honorably discharged at World War II's end, he went on to a successful lifelong working career in the Oil and Gas Producing industry. The majority of this time he was employed by Getty Oil Company in remote overseas locations. In 1979 he, together with his younger brother Ben, built the extensive family living and ranching complex off Solomon Road, one of his life's proudest accomplishments. He was an active member of the First Christian Church serving as a Deacon and in a number of other volunteer capacities; and the Santa Maria County Club with at least one Club golf championship to his credit, attesting to his great love for the game. He was proceed in death by his parents Frank and Bessie Johnston; the wife and mother of his three children Onita Silva; his brothers Walter, George Sr., Claude, and Benny; sisters Patsy Cunningham and Elizabeth Moser and son Don Jr. Don Sr. is survived by his present wife Mary; brothers Clyde and Alvin, and sister Pearl Beckham; and daughters Donna Jean Wolcott and Linda Carol Chavez; five grandchildren, James, Donald, Heather, Darin and Josh, and eight great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, and many close friends and neighbors. A graveside service followed by interment is scheduled for 10:00 AM Thursday, May 15, 2014 at the Santa Maria Cemetery. Officiating will be close personal friend, Reverend Clete Doyle. Pallbearers will include Darin Johnston, Josh Johnston, James Azevedo, Don Chavez, George Johnston Jr. and Arthur Reynoso. Arrangements are in the care of McDermott Crocket Mortuary, Santa Barbara Ca. (800) 842-5241.