Donald Earl Johnston

Hendersonville ~ Donald Earl Johnston, 81, passed away Monday, October 29, 2012 at Mission Hospital in Asheville after an extended illness. Born in Wyoming, he has been a resident of Western North Carolina since 1963. A loving husband, devoted father, and loyal son, Donald was one of ten children. He was the son of William Victor Johnston and Mary Agnes Scholz Johnston. He married Patsy Ann Harrelson of Hendersonville in 1960. They have one daughter, Cheryl Anne, who is married to John Fredrick Schweikart. Donald is survived by his wife, daughter, and son-in-law as well as seven siblings and numerous nephews and nieces. The patriotic Johnston's were dedicated to serving their country throughout most of the twentieth century. Donald's father served in the Army in World War I and six sons served in various branches of the military. Donald saw active duty in the Korean War as a member of the U.S. Army. Donald took over his father's construction business in the late 1950's in Wyoming. He later worked in Tennessee and North Carolina. He and his family moved to Asheville in 1966 when he took a job with Ames Associates. He later established a home improvement business in Asheville. His family takes great satisfaction in the fact that Donald has left behind many examples of his handiwork carefully constructed for the enjoyment and use of present and future generations. There will be a memorial service at Groce Funeral Home on Long Shoals Road in Arden on Saturday, November 3rd at 3:00 pm. A private burial will take place later at the Veteran's Cemetery in Black Mountain.