Kenneth R. Johnston

Kenneth R. Johnston, 76, Cortland, Ohio, passed away Friday afternoon, Jan. 19, 2024 at Trumbull Regional Medical Center.

Kenneth was born on Dec. 15, 1947 in Greencastle, the son of the late Cecil “Pete” and Blanch (Suber) Johnston.

He was a graduate of Fillmore High School and joined the United States Army. While in the Army, he became an armor senior sergeant and served in Korea, Germany and Hawaii before he retired after 24-and-a-half years as a sergeant major.

He was a member of the Black Horse Association — 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment — and the American Legion. He was an ROTC instructor at Youngstown State University, where he built the cannon for touchdowns at the “Ice Castle.”

He also worked at the Trumbull Correctional Institution and the Ohio State Penitentiary, where he worked as a training officer and firearms instructor for 19 years. He also served on the Orangeville City Council for four years.

He enjoyed camping, fishing, traveling, boating and weekly euchre games and poker with friends. He loved his dogs and was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan.

Kenneth is deeply missed by his loving wife, Norma Johnston, whom he married on April 25, 1995; sons Thomas (Kim Portolese) Johnston of Olive Branch, Miss., and Billy (Michelle Pause) Johnston of Austintown, Ohio; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and siblings Sarah Elmore, Keith Johnston and Earl Johnston.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, John and Charlie Johnston.

A celebration of life will take place at the Orangeville Volunteer Fire Department, 8276 High St., Burghill, Ohio, on Saturday, Feb. 24 starting at 2 p.m. Entombment will take place at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman, Ohio, on Monday, Feb. 26 at 1:15 p.m. Please arrive 15 minutes early to be led to the chapel.

Arrangements were entrusted with Lane Family Funeral Homes-Madasz Chapel in Brookfield.

Family and friends may send their heartfelt condolences by visiting www.lanefuneralhomes.com.