Leroy Johnston

Leroy L. Johnston, 90, of Jackson passed away Tuesday, March 9, 2010, at his home.

He was born Sept. 6, 1919, in Fairdealing, Mo., son of Otis R. and Lilly Collins Johnston. After Lilly's death, his father married Ida Mae Seabaugh, who became his stepmother when he was 6 years old. He and Mary Joeann Biri were married Aug. 2, 1941.

Leroy was a 1939 graduate of Oak Ridge High School. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, being inducted Oct. 26, 1942, and honorably discharged Aug. 28, 1945.

He had worked as a supervisor at the former hosiery mill in Chester, Ill., and the former hosiery mill in Jackson 25 years. From July 1, 1972, until his retirement June 30, 1989, he worked at West Lane Elementary School in Jackson.

Leroy was a member of New McKendree United Methodist Church, a former Sunday school teacher, past president of the Methodist Men's Club and a member of the Disabled American Veterans Cape Girardeau County Chapter 16. He loved sports and especially Jackson Indian football.

Loving survivors include his wife of 68 years; two sons and daughters-in-law, Steve and Diane Johnston of Cape Girardeau, Phil and Paula Johnston of Jackson; three grandchildren, Andrew (Kristy) Johnston and their children, Bailie and Breanna, Dana Johnston and Deana Johnston and her children, Madeline and soon-to-be baby Beck; two half brothers, Sam Johnston of Millersville and Linus Johnston of Oak Ridge.

He was preceded in death by a son, Terry Johnston, in 1959; two brothers, Clifton and Everett Johnston; a sister, Bertha Gilmer; two half brothers, J.W. and Isaiah Johnston; three half sisters, Azalie Darr, Lilly Brotherton, and Lucy Cook; a stepbrother, Howard Seabaugh; and a stepsister, Arliss Seabaugh Johnston.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Jimmie Corbin officiating. Interment will follow in Cape County Memorial Park Cemetery in Cape Girardeau with full military honors.

Memorials may be made to Disabled American Veterans Cape Girardeau County Chapter 16, c/o David Flynn, 5102 State Highway 77, Benton, MO 63736.

Sympathy messages may be sent to the family online at www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.