C. Charley Johnston, Jr., age 82, resident of Fort Scott, KS, passed away on August 22, 2023, at the Kansas University Medical Center following a brief illness. He was born February 25, 1941, in Fort Scott, the son of Charley and Rose Hines Johnston. He married Ann McCurley on April 9, 1961, in Fort Scott. Charley was a 1959 graduate of Fort Scott High School. He obtained his bachelor’s degree and his master’s degree in business education form Pittsburg State University. After teaching business classes at Hiawatha High School, Hiawatha, KS, he returned to Fort Scott and worked several years as a business instructor and administrator at Fort Scott Community College. Following this employment, he worked 15 years as a vocational rehabilitation counselor with the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services, retiring in 2005. Charley was a proud veteran. He served two years in the U. S. Army, followed by 40 years with the Kansas National Guard, retiring as Command Sergeant Major.
Charley was a loving husband, father, and grandpa. He cherished his family and his grandchildren. His grandchildren were his greatest joy. He was an avid fan of the KC Royals, KC Chiefs, and K-State football. He also enjoyed playing golf with his family and friends.
Charley is survived by his wife Ann; his sister, Rita Emmerson, Fort Scott; his sons, Vince Johnston (Leigh), Pittsburg, KS, and Brian Johnston (Deborah), Springfield, MO; his grandchildren, Jessica Dreiling (Grant), Kyle Johnston, Chase Johnston, Nicole Johnston; his great grandson, Kip Dreiling; sisters-in-law, Bernie Simmons, and Kathy McCurley; and brother-in-law, Doug Ropp (Patty); as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters-in-law Lucille Langdon and Elaine Ropp; his brothers-in-law, Joe Langdon, Ronnie Simmons, Jim Emmerson, Doug McCurley, and Cedric McCurley; and his niece, Cindy Emmerson.
Following cremation, a private burial will take place at a later date at the Fort Scott National Cemetery. The family requests memorials to Care to Share and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
