John W. Johnston

John W. (Jack) Johnston, 92, of New Cumberland, died at Serra Manor in Weirton on November 17, 2108.  He was born on July 23, 1926, in Chester, WV, the youngest son of Sara Edith (Davis) and James Hilary Johnston.  Jack was a graduate of Chester High School and later attended West Virginia University.  As a senior in high school, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps and then spent 42 years as an Air Force reservist stationed with the 911th Air Wing in Pittsburgh where he retired as a master sergeant.  He worked as a research chemist at Crucible Steel and later at National Steel in Weirton. 

A Presbyterian by faith, he was a long-time member of the First UP Church in Chester where he was an elder and taught the young men’s Sunday School class for many years.  He established Cub Pack 137 in New Manchester and made two trips to Philmont Scout Camp in New Mexico with his scouts.  He also enjoyed woodworking, model railroading, and playing on his ham radio.  With his late wife, he traveled extensively through the US and Canada in their motorhome and made numerous trips to their favorite destination, Alaska.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death in 2016 by his wife of 67 years, Mary Ann (Rogers) and by his two sons, Jim and John.  His older brothers Bob and Bill also preceded him in death.  Jack is survived by his daughter Millicent (George) Hines of New Cumberland, and three grandsons, George (Jelayne) Hines of Canfield, Ohio, Phil Hines of Chester, and James (Laura) Johnston of Follansbee.  He also leaves behind his daughter-in-law Diana Johnston and his two great-grandchildren Tyler and Sophie. 

Visiting hours are 2-4 and 6-8 pm on Friday, November 23 at the Arner Funeral Chapel in Chester.  Private graveside services will be held at a later date with burial in Locust Hill Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, friends are asked to contribute to a favorite charity or to the Chester Teapot Fund.   

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