Robert Johnston

Robert (Bob) G. Johnston passed away at 1:46PM, March 23, 2015 at the Inpatient Hospice Center in Van Wert, Ohio. He was born on June 17, 1928 in Celina, Ohio to Grace (Hoel) and Paul Johnston. He graduated from Celina High School in 1947 and attended Miami University. He served his country in the US Army during the Korea conflict. He was stationed in Germany serving as a hospital laboratory technician. After discharge he worked for Standard Oil and in 1953 started his career at the Central Mutual Insurance Company. He held a number of positions in the Personal Lines Underwriting department until his retirement in 1990.

In 1953 he married Dorothy Jean Sielschott who survives. He is also survived by his two sons and their families. Mark R. (Vicki) Johnston of Van Wert, Granddaughter, Melissa (Jason) Marsik and Great-grandchildren Hannah and Brody Marsik all of Florence, SC. Steven P. (Geri) Johnston of Van Wert, Granddaughter, Dawn (Jay) Evans, Great-grandson Gavin Evans all of Kannapolis, NC and Step-granddaughter Cara (Noah) Beall of Dayton.

Robert was a member of St. Marks Lutheran Church where he served his Lord as a Sunday School teacher, choir member, youth leader, church council member and president. In his retirement, he cared for the church lawn for 17 years.

As an avid golfer he was particularly proud of his two holes-in-one at Hickory Sticks Golf Course (Woods) where he was a member for many years. He also felt honored to receive a citation, signed by President Truman, after he and his father rescued a woman from a submerged car.

Robert was a 50 year member of the Celina lodge F&AM #241 and served as master of the lodge in 1961. He was district deputy #15 Order of DeMolay and a holder of the Legion of Honor degree from that organization. Robert was a life member of Elks Lodge #1197, Hickory Sticks Golf Club, Willow Bend Country Club and served as a Red Cross volunteer at Van Wert County Hospital.

Calling hours will be Thursday, March 26th at St Marks Lutheran Church Gathering Room from 2:00pm until 6:00pm and 1 hour prior to the service on Friday. A memorial service will be conducted at St. Marks Lutheran Church, Van Wert, at 11:00am on Friday, March 27th. Pastors Will Haggis, Sharon Stonerock and Doug Meyer will be officiating.

Preferred memorials are to St. Marks Lutheran Church or Van Wert County Hospital.