Obituary of Robert Russell Johnston

Robert Russell "Bumper" Johnston, 82, of North Kingsville and lifelong area resident, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 11, 2016 at Jefferson Health Care. Robert was born on February 13, 1934 in Conneaut, Ohio the son of Russel Orlando and Ethel (nee Kingston) Johnston. He served his country honorably for 22 years with the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, serving aboard the USS- Joyce, Navy Destroyer Escort DER317 and was an Air Force Pilot, flying 17 various American and Russian Aircraft. Mr. Johnston retired from the military in 1973 as a Tech Sargent. After retirement he worked as a photographer for the Conneaut News Herald and on Pymatuning Lake, doing tours and boat repairs. Bumper was a Life Member of the American Legion Cowle Post #151, where he was Past Commander and served on the honor guard, VFW Post #2836, Conneaut Moose Lodge #472 and The AERIE Lodge #408. Robert was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Wanda Johnston; brother, James Johnston; and dear friend, Phyllis Penfield. He is survived by a niece and nephew; two great-nieces; one great-nephew; four great-great nieces; three great-great nephews; and close friend and caregiver, Mark Penfield. Funeral services will be held, Thursday, March 17, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. at the Thompson Smith Nesbitt Funeral Home, 345 Main St., Conneaut, with Pastor Jan Walsh, of New Leaf United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Memory Gardens, where military honors will be performed. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday from 5 to 7 P.M. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials in memory of Bumper may be given to the American Legion Cowle Post #151, Honor Guard Fund, 272 Broad St., Conneaut, Ohio, 44030.