William Ray Johnston Jr

Bill Johnston, 76, of Overland Park, Kansas, passed away on Sunday, December 11, 2022. He was born on February 25, 1946 in Statesville, North Carolina, to William Ray Johnston Sr. and Julia Evelene (Mills) Johnston.

He grew up in a military family and he lived on various bases along the east coast. When his dad's ship was in port, he and his mother would spend Sundays on board eating Sunday dinner and exploring the ship with his dad. When he was in high school, his dad retired from the Navy and they moved to Apopka, Florida. While growing up he enjoyed spending time on his boat, water skiing, and playing with his dog who went everywhere he went (even on the water skis).

He graduated from the University of Florida, where he was a known prankster, with a degree in Chemistry. Bill met his future wife while in school and they were married in July, 1971. He was a member of the Navy ROTC, was commissioned an Ensign in the Navy upon graduation, and began flight training in Pensacola, FL. He was honorably discharged when the Vietnam War ended.

He began a lifelong career in insurance first as a marketing representative with The Hartford spending time in Alexandria, VA, and in Farmington Hills, MI where they started their family and made life-long friends. In 1987, he was transferred to Overland Park, KS where he continued to work for The Hartford and then later as a research and development coordinator for Farmer's Commercial Insurance Division. He retired in 2009.

Bill had many hobbies and interests. They included being part of the Model A Ford Club, sailing, camping, woodworking (including his membership in the Woodworker's Guild) and his love for animals especially training dogs. Bill was a very involved parent and grandparent and took every opportunity to create teachable moments. He enjoyed assisting his daughters with their school projects, attending their events, and teaching them and their friends the fine art of card playing. This involvement continued with his grandkids. He loved to tell them stories about growing up, shared his love of woodworking with them and attended their sporting events.

Bill is survived by his wife of 51 years, Linda; daughters, Kim (Derek) Cornwell and Kristen (Jay) Christensen, his 6 wonderful grandchildren: Aidan, Norah, Carson Cornwell and Kyle, Darren and Tanner Christensen and his loyal Jack Russell, Abby.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Alagille Syndrome Alliance in honor of his grandson, Tanner, who has Alagille Syndrome.

To leave a message of condolence for Bill's family or to share a special memory of Bill, please visit the guestbook below.