Robert F. Johnston
Robert F. Johnston
Robert F. Johnston
June 6, 1934 – January 4, 2017
Eddyville, Iowa | Age 82
Robert F. Johnston, age 82, of Eddyville, Iowa passed away Wednesday evening, January 4, 2017, at the V.A. Hospital in Iowa City, Iowa.
Robert was born on June 6, 1934, at home in Eddyville, the first born son of Fredrick and Edna (Simmers) Johnston.
Robert was a lifelong resident of Eddyville and a graduate of Eddyville High School, Class of 1952.
In the fall of 1952 Robert began his career as a lineman. He worked for L.E. Meyers for 30 years and he had also worked with John F. Edwards. Later in life, he and his brother John started their own electrical business.
In December of 1953 Robert and Audrey Burke were united in marriage. They were blessed with many years of marriage and six sons.
In 1958 Robert was drafted into the U.S. Army and was stationed in Frankfurt Germany as a courier. In 1959 he briefly returned to being a lineman after a two year enlistment and then was recalled for an additional year of active duty in 1961 and was stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas.
Robert was a 60 year member of the I.B.E.W., Local 55 in Des Moines. He was a lifetime member of the V.F.W. and the American Legion. He currently was serving as the Eddyville Legion Post 418 Commander.
Robert lost his eye sight in the early 1980’s which cut short his lineman career, but he was very active and could talk you through a wide variety of tasks. He loved going to auctions, garage sales and bargain hunting as well as listening to bluegrass and country music.
Robert is survived by five of his six sons: Gregg C. (& Jana) Johnston, Robert F. Johnston, Jr., John P. Johnston, David W. (& Renee) Johnston, and Jeffrey J. Johnston; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and his siblings: John E. (& Peg) Johnston, Phyllis Herrington, Barbara Allgood, and Betty (& Glen) Everhart.
Robert is preceded in death by his parents, Fredrick and Edna (Simmers) Johnston; and his son, Danny Eugene Johnston.
Visitation for Robert will be held from 11:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M., Tuesday, January 10, 2017, at the Eddyville Funeral Chapel. Robert’s family will be greeting friends from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., Tuesday evening.
Funeral services will be held at 1:30 P.M., on Wednesday, January 11, 2017 at the Eddyville Funeral Chapel, with Rev. Glen Everhart officiating.
Burial will follow services at Highland Cemetery.
A memorial has been established in Robert’s name to the volunteer courtesy cart fund at the V.A. Hospital in Iowa City.
The Eddyville Funeral Chapel is assisting Robert’s family with services.
Condolences may be sent to www.eddyvillefuneralchapel.com.
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