June 3, 1932 ~ October 15, 2020
Alvin Ray Johnston was born at home on June 3rd, 1932 in Caldwell, Kansas to Joshua “Jack” and Alyce (Counsell) Johnston. Arriving just minutes after his older, identical, twin brother, Melvin. After a life well lived, he passed away with his family at his side on October 15, 2020 under hospice care at his youngest daughter Rachelle’s home in Wichita, Kansas.
Alvin started working at about 11-12 years of age with Lewis and Edna Mae Neal as their farm aid. He attended Caldwell schools and graduated with the class of 1950. Alvin attended Garden City Community College in 1950-1951 to play football along with his brother Melvin.
In 1953, Alvin and his brother Melvin were drafted into the Army during the Korean War. Alvin spent most of his time at Fort Lewis, Washington and one year in Germany.
On February 21, 1954 he married the love of his life, Norma Jean “Jeanne” Baker. To this union were born two daughters, Cindy and Rachelle.
Alvin worked at Boeing Aircraft, where he remained employed for 40 years. During this time, he also proudly farmed their land east of Caldwell, which he called a “mostly profitable hobby.”
Alvin was a member of the Central Christian Church where he served as a deacon, elder, and on the board of directors. He served his beloved Caldwell community as a 4-H leader, Sumner County Fair Board, refereeing youth sporting events, worked the Border Queen Relays as well as other track meets, was a member of the Free Mason, as well as coached youth sports.
Alvin was a loving and devoted husband. He and Jeanne had the kind of relationship all couples hope to have. They were a great example to their family of what it means to be husband and wife. Alvin was a supporting and loving father. He enjoyed sports (especially KU sports), spending time at the lake on their pontoon boat, camping and fishing, and family vacations. Having grandchildren brought a special joy to his life. He and Jeanne rarely missed activities Nick and Matt were involved in. His great-grandchildren were a great source of pride and enjoyment. Alvin was an inspiration to his family through his strong moral character, toughness, hard work, family first attitude, stubbornness, and the caring of Jeanne during her final years.
Alvin is survived by his daughters, Cindy (Greg) Wolff of Herington, KS and Rachelle Johnston of Wichita, KS; grandsons, Nick (Autumn) Wolff of Minneapolis, KS and Matt (Teresa) Wolff of Lawrence, KS; great-grandchildren Austin and Alyssa Wolff of Minneapolis, KS and Garrett Wolff of Lawrence, KS; two sisters-in-law, Lillian Fitchett, Wichita, KS, Alice Johnston, Pueblo, CO and Gracie the Goose of Wichita, KS.
Alvin was preceded in death by his loving and devoted wife of 58 years; his parents and brothers Melvin Johnston and Jim Johnston; sisters Carol Beck and Renna Butler.
Memorials may be given in memory of Alvin to the Sumner County District #1 Hospital Auxiliary or to the Central Christian Church and may be left in care of the mortuary.
Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday, October 19, 2020 at the Central Christian Church in Caldwell.
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A great man and friend to all
Gayle Struble - 10/18/2020
A great man and friend to all!
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