Dennis Daryl Johnston entered this life on December 28, 1952, to Alma Lee (Jones) Johnston and he passed from it on March 26, 2021. Dennis had an adventurous childhood while growing up in Fremont Missouri. He accepted Jesus Christ as his savior during this time. He graduated from Fremont/Van Buren School in 1972 and went on to attend college at the Missouri University in Rolla.
He married JoAnn Winchester on July 7, 1987. After her passing, he married Dena June Bailey on November 21, 2013.
Dennis was a father to seven children; Shawn Halferty and wife, Angel, Kelly Halferty and wife, Heather, James Garner and wife, Celest, Daryl Johnston and wife, Amber, Christy Stogsdill and husband, Jim, Julie Keeney and husband, Mike, and Diane Ledgerwood. Dennis had sixteen grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.
He is survived by his sister, Karen Fears; sister-in-law, Dianne Johnston; brother-in-law, Tommy Bailey and wife, Sue; brother-in-law, Delbert Bailey and wife, Margret; sister-in-law; Suzie Cowgill; mother-in-law, Mary Bailey; and a multitude of nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Ev and Verna Jones; mother, Alma Lee; his wife, Joann Johnston; his daughter, Diane Ledgerwood; his brother, Junior Johnston; and brother-in-law Richard Fears.
He worked in the lead mines for ten years and then went into resale. Dennis was initiated into the Masonic Fraternity in May 1976 and was very active in Eminence Lodge No. 607. He loved the art of a deal and never passed on a good bargain. He enjoyed spending time on the river and fishing with his brother. He was a wonderful family man; he loved chess, poker, and all his children (in that order, most of the time).
He will leave a gap in our lives and hearts that can never be filled.
Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 31, 2021, at Pleasant Site Cemetery, Fremont, Missouri with Craig Osborne officiating, under the direction of Yarber Mortuary, Winona. Prior to the service, a time of visitation will be held from 1:00-2:00 p.m. at the cemetery for those wishing to pay their respects. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice. Condolences may be expressed at www.yarbermortuary.com.
