John M. Johnston

John M. Johnston, 95, of Center Township, passed away on Sunday, December 17, 2017 at his residence.Born on October 8, 1922 in Rochester, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late John M. and Edith I. (Sheibner) Johnston, Sr.  John was employed by P & L. E. Railroad for 41 years and was a WWII combat veteran having served in the US Navy as a signalman in the South Pacific.  John had a quiet demeanor and was a skilled wood worker.  Anyone who has visited his home can appreciate his craftsmanship. John was a longtime member of the North Branch Presbyterian Church , Center Township where he had previously served as an elder and clerk of sessions and was a former Sunday School teacher.  John also enjoyed bowling on his church league and canoeing with a group from North Branch down the Allegheny River near Tionesta.John will be sadly missed by his wife, Dorothy, of 71 years.  They married on November 30, 1946, his two children; Kay Harper Allison and her husband, Bruce of Hopewell Township and Jeffrey Johnston of Center Township.  Three grandchildren; Jason (Kimberly) Harper, Chad Harper and  Christopher (Angelica) Harper. Five great grandchildren; Hannah, Colt, Haley, William and Lacey Harper.  Two sisters in law, Janet Johnston and Sally Johnston and numerous nieces and nephews.In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers; Alvin, Marty and James and  four sisters; Lois, Miriam, Sarah, and Anna.Friends will be received on Wednesday, December 20 from 3 – 7 pm in the Simpson Funeral & Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca. Funeral services will be held om Thursday at 11 am in the North Branch Presbyterian Church, 139 North Branch Road, Center Township with his pastor, the Reverend Deborah Huffmyer, officiating. Military honors will be accorded by the Beaver County Special Unit on Thursday at 11:30 am at the church. Interment will follow in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park.The family has suggested memorial contributions be made, if desired to the North Branch Presbyterian Church.To share online condolences, get directions and other information, please visit simpsonfuneralhome.com.