Johnston, John E., Sr., 65, Fort Fairfield, September 16, 2013. Arrangements are in the care of Giberson-Dorsey Funeral Home, Fort Fairfield.
FORT FAIRFIELD – John E. Johnston Sr., 65, husband of Maxine B. (Pelkey) Johnston, passed away Monday evening, September 16, 2013 at his Fort Fairfield residence, following an extended illness. He was born November 14, 1947 in Mars Hill, the son of Sherman C. Sr. and Clara E. (Fletcher) Johnston.
John was a graduate of the Fort Fairfield High School, Class of 1968 and went on to serve his country with the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1976, attaining the rank of staff sergeant, serving as a security specialist. He received several commendations including the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, three Bronze Service Stars, the Republic of Vietnam Combat Medal, and the Air Force Combat Medal.
He was married to Maxine B. Pelkey on December 31, 1974, and had been employed by the Northern Maine Vocational Technical Institute, currently Northern Maine Community College, Presque Isle for almost thirty-seven years, retiring on July 31, 2013. He also worked part-time as an auxiliary policeman for both Fort Fairfield and Caribou, as well as working as chief of security at the Northern Maine Fair for over twenty years. John was also a life member of the VFW Paul Lockhart Post Number 6187, Fort Fairfield.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by one daughter, Clara M. Johnston in 1998; his foster parents, Frank and Ruth Neilson; three brothers, Cecil, Dean and Raymond Johnston. Mr. Johnston is survived by his wife of thirty-nine years, Mrs. Maxine B. Johnston; one son, John E. Johnston Jr., both of Fort Fairfield; two daughters and sons-in-law, Michelle R. and Gary Halley of Presque Isle, Beatrice and Colin Campbell of Fort Fairfield; nine brothers and sisters-in-law, Sherman Johnston Jr. of Solon, Tommy and Janet Johnston, Calvin and Sherri Johnston, all of Mars Hill, Fred and Connie Johnston of Connecticut; Charles and Jean Johnston of Massachusetts, Joe and Andrea Johnston of Stockholm, Edward Johnston of Easton, Ralph and Starr Johnston of Herman, Clyde Johnston of Oakfield; five sisters and brothers-in-law, Hope and Tom Green of Solon, Charlette and Keith Moorhouse of Connecticut, Gloria Johnston of Kenduskeag, Annie and Mark Mullen of Blaine, Barbara Johnston of Wichita Falls, Texas; seven grandchildren, Ashley and Brandon Johnston, Cody and Dustin Campbell, all of Fort Fairfield, Gavin, Garret, Gabrielle Halley, all of Presque Isle; numerous nieces and nephew.
Friends called Thursday, September 19, 2013 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Giberson-Dorsey Funeral Home, 144 Main Street, Fort Fairfield. The funeral service was conducted 1 p.m. Friday, September 20, 2013 at the funeral home with the Rev. Ronald Doughty officiating. Interment with military honors followed at the Northern Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Caribou. A time of continued fellowship with refreshments was held at the VFW Paul Lockhart Post Number 6187, Presque Isle Street, Fort Fairfield immediately after the interment service. Those who wish may contribute in memory of John to C-A-N-C-E-R, P.O. Box 811, Presque Isle, Maine 04769 or to the Disabled American Veterans Memorial Program, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, Ohio 45250-0301. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Online condolences may be expressed at www.giberson dorseyfuneralhome.com.
