Eldon Lee Johnston

Eldon Lee Johnston, 85, passed away quietly in the night at home early on Thursday morning, January 18th, 2024.

Eldon Johnston was born on August 7th, 1938 in Aberdeen, Washington, to Charlie X. Johnston and Viola Dora Johnston (nee Smith), both deceased. Eldon lived in the Shelton area from the early 1950's until his passing. Eldon served in the United States Navy for three years, first as a Quartermaster and Helmsman and then as a reservist. Eldon traveled the world as a Sailor for the Navy. After training in San Francisco and San Diego, Johnston crossed the Arctic, sailed the Pacific, and traveled throughout East and Southeast Asia in the late 1950's with the Navy on the USS Grasp (ARS-24).

After an Honorable Discharge from the Navy, Eldon Johnston married Shelton local Betty Lou Fahrnkopf. Eldon adopted her sons, David Johnston of Shelton and Joseph Johnston and raised them as his children. Joseph's death preceded Eldon's in December 2009, granddaughter Christine in March 2009, Betty's death preceded Eldon's in December 2016, and sister Barbara Anne Pool (nee Johnston) in 2019, of Spokane, Washington.

Over the years, Eldon and Betty built a humble life in Shelton, Washington with Eldon working at and retiring from the Simpson Mill and Betty making a life as a homemaker. Both enjoyed a sunny day in their well-manicured yard, a drink with family and neighbors, a good Country-and-Western record, and helping their sons raise grandchildren.

Eldon loved woodworking, cooking and baking from scratch, playing a good hand of poker, hunting, fishing, and watching movies, all of which he shared and passed down to his family throughout the years.

Eldon Lee Johnston is survived by son David Johnston, daughters-in-law CharEll Johnston and Christine "Tina" Johnston, grandchildren Gary, Craig, Kyle, Ticey, Kayla, Joseph, and Zachary, dozens of great-grandchildren, and a growing list of great-great-grandchildren living across the U.S.A. from Washington to Hawaii to Kentucky.

Per Eldon's wishes, no memorial service will be held. He'll be cremated privately.