Thomas Johnston

Published by editor on Wed, 12/27/2023 - 2:47pm

Thomas Ronald Johnston, the son of Thomas William and Emma Ilene (Thorn) Johnston, was born on May 3, 1945, in Fort Dodge, Iowa. He was raised and educated in Eagle Grove, graduating from Eagle Grove High School, “Class of 1963”.
Tom served in the United States Navy as an Air Traffic Controller from 1963 to 1965 stationed in Guam, and in the Naval Reserve from 1965 to 1967.

In April 1964, Tom married Barb Paulson, then had a son, Troy. The couple later divorced.

On Jan. 31, 1970, Tom married Barb Pollack at Elk Point, South Dakota. They had two children, Kim and Lionel.

Tom worked for the Chicago Northwestern Railroad, later the Union Pacific Railroad, as a Conductor from 1969 until his retirement in 2005. He served as the local chairman of the railroad union.

Tom was a member of the United Methodist Church. He had a long-time passion and history with Harness Racing throughout Iowa and served as Secretary/Treasurer of the Iowa Harness Racing Association. Tom also enjoyed golfing, all Iowa Hawkeye sports, following and supporting Eagle Grove Eagles and watching horse races. Most of all, he loved time with his family.

Tom passed away on Monday, Dec. 25, 2023, at Iowa Specialty Hospital in Clarion, at the age of 78 years. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Lionel and Robert Johnston; son-in-law, Tracy Wilcox, and brother-in-law, Scott Weland.

Tom is survived by his wife, Barb Johnston of Eagle Grove; children: Troy (Theresa) Johnston of Wheat Ridge, Colorado; Kim Wilcox of Charlotte, North Carolina and Lionel (Amanda) Johnston of Eagle Grove; seven grandchildren, Dylan, Devyn and Daryn Johnston, Paige and Parker Wilcox, and Emma and Grace Johnston; sister, Judy Weland of Eagle Grove; brother, Bill (Cindy) Johnston of Seabeck, Washington; sister-in-law, Jean Johnston of Coralville; and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial services were held on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023, at 11 a.m. at the United Methodist Church with visitation from 9 – 11 a.m. at the church.

Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family. www.foustfh.com