It is with great sadness that we announce Daniel Johnston '56 in passing Ad Astra. We want to extend our deepest sympathies to Daniel's family, friends, and loved ones. He will be deeply missed.
Source courtesy of https://www.heraldtribune.com/obituaries/psar0241882
Daniel Upthegrove Johnston, loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on Friday, June 24, 2022, at the age of 89.
Daniel (Dan) was born on March 21, 1933, in St. Louis, Missouri to Ella Mae Upthegrove Johnston and Ralph English Johnston.
Dan attended Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri. He also attended Purdue University and obtained a degree in mechanical engineering. During his studies, he was a member of the Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity.
Dan had a highly successful professional career. After graduation, he entered the U.S (United States) Army and served as a Captain for his country. He was a Project Engineer for Delco Remy, a Division of General Motors in Anderson, Indiana. Dan was awarded many patents in his life. Later he moved to Florida and became Engineering Manager for Hi-Stat Manufacturing in Sarasota, Florida. He completed his career as a consultant for his own firm, Dolphin Design & Engineering.
Dan met the love of his life, Bonnie, on a blind date to the Muny Opera in St. Louis. It was love at first sight, and together they had three sons, Steven, Bill, and Daniel. During their 65 years of marriage, Dan and Bonnie loved to travel the world and went on many adventurous trips including sailing excursions.
Dan was a long-term member of the Venice Presbyterian Church, and led our family his prayer regularly. He loved his family, spending time walking with his pets, sailing, and sunsets at the beach.
Dan lived an extraordinary life surrounded by people who loved him. Dan is survived by his wife, Bonnie Johnston, his three children William Ralph Johnston, Steven Daniel Johnston and wife Barbara, Daniel Edward Johnston and wife Julie, and his brother, Ralph English Johnston.
He was a beloved “Granddad” to five grandchildren; Andrea Jacobs, Daniel George Johnston and wife Roni Johnston, Autumn Lockhart and husband Jackson Lockhart, Megan Irene Johnston, and Emma Ann Johnston.
Dan was preceded in death by his father, Ralph English and mother Ella Mae, his sister Frances Jones, and grandson, Hunter Ray Johnston.
A celebration of life will be held on July 16, 2022 at 2 pm at the Venice Presbyterian Church. The family requests that memorial donations in Dan’s name be given to Venice Presbyterian Church 825 The Rialto, Venice, FL 34285. Dan was respected and loved by everyone who met him, and he will be dearly missed.
