Bo Johnston

A funeral mass was held for “Bo” Gerald Johnston, 83, at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Clinton. 
Johnston died Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019. 
He was born Dec. 30, 1935, to Lois and Jack Johnston in Pelican, La. He later moved with his family to Gladewater, Texas. He was an outstanding athlete in football, track, basketball and other sports throughout his school years and was one of the most outstanding athletes in the history of Union Grove High School. 
Johnston also played football at Stephen F. Austin College and Kilgore College. After a football injury he began a career in the oil field which lasted more than 60 years.
Johnston loved being a “mud engineer” and was known for his chemical knowledge and excellence throughout the industry. 
While working in Oklahoma, he met his future wife, Janice Kennedy. They were married in Bolivia, South America, more than 59 years ago. 
The couple raised their children in Clinton, where he enjoyed coaching Little League and cheering his sons on to Red Tornado state football championships. He later enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren on family vacations, watching their sporting events, pom, robotics competitions and numerous family pool tournaments.
With encouragement from his daugther-in-law, Johnston began refinishing and building furniture as a hobby in addition to hunting and fishing. He also always took time to work at the farm and ride around on his tractor.
Johnston was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Thomasine Winkle and Beth Hagan; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Jess and Lou Kennedy.
Survivors include his wife; two sons, John Johnston and Dr. Ron Johnston and wife Dr. Samantha Johnston; six grandchildren, Taylor, Jacob, Drew, Dillon, Jonathan and Will Johnston; a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Joyce and Wayne McPherson; a brother, Glenn Johnston and wife Marilynn; a sister, Faye Carter; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Johnston’s final resting place is at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Pauls Valley.