Johnston, Forrest E.

Forrest E. Johnston, 92, of Donahue, Iowa, passed away Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013, at the Bettendorf Health Care Center, just nine days from his 93rd birthday. He had been a resident there since October 2012. There will be no visitation and private family services will be held at Davenport Memorial Park.

Forrest was born Feb. 5, 1920, the son of Warren and ClaraBelle (Pope) Johnston, who had farmed near LeClaire, Iowa. On Dec. 15, 1944, he was united in marriage to Frances J. Hansen, his lifelong mate, until she passed away in 2006.

Forrest served at Bougainville in the Pacific during World War II, returned to the states and was honorably discharged in October 1945. He farmed land in Scott County until becoming office manager for the Scott County ASCS office and retiring in 1985. He also served as the Town Clerk of Donahue for a number of years. Self-employed as an electrician, many counted on his professionalism, knowledge, skills and generosity.

As a family man, he loved to take his family on a drive and end up at Dairy Queen or A&W for a special treat. Fishing trips or annual fall journeys to Wisconsin for apples and cider were also fond family memories. Fruit trees and gardening remained hobbies after his retirement.

Frequently found at his bedside were his sons, Steve (Linette) of Eldridge, Howard (Kathleen) of DeWitt, Daniel of Donahue and Gary (Cecilia) of Davenport; and his daughters, Irene (Terry) Morgan of St. Louis, Mo., and Linda Tilford of Hiawatha. Many of the grandchildren visited, of which 11 are living, and one grandson, Jack Lee Johnston, preceded him in death. He also was blessed to have 22 great-grandchildren.

With long life, the Lord honored him, making him the longest living Johnston in four generations. Forrest was also preceded in death by his siblings: brothers, Marvin, Elvan (at age 3) and Cyril; and sisters, Grace (at age 3) and Mary Reading.

Psalm 91:16: “With long life I will satisfy him, And show him my salvation.”

Memorials may be made to the Donahue Volunteer Fire Department.

Chambers Funeral Home in Eldridge is assisting the family with arrangements.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting Forrest's obituary at www.McGinnis-Chambers.com.

Published Feb. 3, 2013 in The Gazette