Gerald "John" Johnston

    Gerald “John” Davis Johnston, the son of Col. Wallace and Annie Mae (Davis) Johnston, was born on September 15, 1931, in Rock Hill, SC. He was raised and attended School there.

    On November 11, 1948, he entered into U.S. Armed Forces, serving in the Coast Guard. He served for four years during the Korean Conflict. He was honorably discharged on May 27, 1952. Following his military service, he moved to Long Beach, CA and attended Cosmetology School. It is also there where he met his wife, Donna.

    In 1960, the couple married in Las Vegas, NV. They continued to live in Long Beach until 1972, when they moved to Marathon, IA. While living in Marathon, he owned and operated a salon in Albert City. He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church. He enjoyed reading, golfing and his family pets, John always had a dog. He and Donna loved to take trips to South Carolina in the winter to see family.

    On January 27, 2026, John passed away at his home in Rockwell City, IA, at the age of 94. He was preceded in death by his parents and six siblings.

    Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Donna; his son, Jeffrey Johnston of Fort Dodge, IA; his three grandchildren: Jayquan Johnston, Tjaden Grace Johnston and Jiselle Johnston; other relatives and friends.

Gerald's wishes were to be cremated and no formal services will be held.