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JOHNSTON DAVID R. Age 86, of Washington, died Thursday morning, Dec. 3, 2015, in the Washington Co. Health Center following a lengthy illness. He was born in Pittsburgh, December 1, 1929, a son of Allan Tucker and Mary Hill Johnston. He graduated from Mt. Lebanon High School before attending Slippery Rock College. David was an outstanding football player at both schools. He later attended both the University of Pittsburgh and Penn State University earning his Master's Degree. Dave spent 44 years as a teacher with the Washington School District and was a varsity football and track coach for many years. He retired in 1993. He then went on to coach track at Upper St. Clair High School. He served with the US Army for two years in the Korean War. While in service, Dave played football at Camp Breckinridge, KY, where he played in the 1952 Salad Bowl. He was a lifelong patriot and had vast knowledge of WW II history. He continued his membership in the American Legion Post #175 until his death. Mr. Johnston was very active in the Washington Community. Over the years, he served on Washington City Council, Washington School Board, Citizens Advisory Council, Parking Commission, Supervisor and later director of city playgrounds. Being a pyrotechnician, he enjoyed lighting off the city Fourth of July fireworks. Dave was an avid "Indy 500" fan for over 50 years and also a loyal fan of Penn State football. Spending summers at the cottage on Burt Lake in Michigan were among his fondest memories. As a Mason, he belonged to the William McElroy Lodge No. 269 and the Gourgas Lodge of Perfection. Dave was also a member of the Washington Elks Lodge. He was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church of Washington and often walked to and from church each Sunday, singing hymns along the way. Inducted into the Washington/Greene County Hall of Fame, Knights of Columbus Coach of the year in Football and NAACP Man of the Year were honors he was proud to receive. On June 20, 1964, in Mt. Lebanon, he was married to Ann Margaret Ward, who survives. Also surviving are two daughters, Janis (Clark) McKenna of Big Rapids, MI and Barbara (Frank Bryan) Jones of Washington; five grandchildren, Haley, Cole and Holly McKenna, Hannah and Sarah Bryker; a sister- in-law, Elaine Johnston; a niece, Diane Graves; a nephew, David Johnston; and his faithful Golden Retriever, Tucker. Love for family and friendships were very important to him. Preceding him in death, in addition to his parents, is a brother, Allan Johnston. Friends will be received from Noon to 3 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday in the HUMMELL & JONES FUNERAL HOME, 420 Locust Ave., Washington, PA, Thomas W. Hummell, Supervisor, Douglas M. Jones, Funeral Director. A brief Masonic Service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Funeral Services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Monday, December 7, 2015, in the First United Methodist Church, 29 North College St., Washington, PA. Everyone please meet at the church. Burial will follow in the Forest Lawn Gardens, McMurray. Graveside military honors will be offered by American Legion Post #175 and US Army representatives. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in memory of David be addressed to The Washington School District Athletic Fund for a track scholarship in Coach Johnston's name, 201 Allison Avenue, Washington, PA, or any charity of choice. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.hummellandjones.com. Send condolences post-gazette.com/gb
