Vernon D. Johnston, Sr, age 87, of Sharon Rd., W. Salem Twp., Greenville, passed away Thursday evening, August 1, 2019 in his residence.

He was born in Sligo, PA on August 2, 1931 a son of Scott L. and Stella May (Shirey) Johnston. He attended New Kensington High School. Vernon served his country in the United States Army from 1950-1952 and served 18 years in the Army reserves.

On July 26, 1953 Vernon married Betty M. Davis, she passed away January 2, 2018. He was previously employed at Greenville Steel Car, General American, and as a Police Officer in Jamestown, PA and was the owner/operator of the former Boron gas station in Greenville. He was a member of Crossroads Christian Fellowship, where he served as a greeter and was also active with the youth group.

Vernon was a 32^nd degree mason, he was a member of F&AM Eureka Lodge #290 where he was a past grand master, served as a commandry captain of the 67^th commandry, was a member of the New Castle Consistory and served as an instructor at the masonic school. He was a life member of the American Legion Post #140 and was a member of the Greenville V.F.W. Post #3374. He enjoyed woodworking and gardening.

He is survived by four daughters; Daisy Smolnik of Butler, Betty Adams and her companion Thomas of Brookville, OH, Shirley Patton and her husband Roger of Greenville, and Patricia McGhee and her husband Timothy of Greenville, a son; George S. Johnston and his wife Sally of Greenville, nine grandchildren and twenty-one great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Betty, two sons, James R. Johnston and Vernon D. Johnston, Jr., his step-father, William J. Hepler, three brothers, LeRoy Johnston, Thomas Johnston, and Charles Hepler, two sisters, Louise Klingensmith and Hilda Baker, two grandchildren, Georgia M. Johnston and Gary Smolnik, Jr.

Memorial contributions may be made to Crossroads Christian Fellowship, 805 Vernon Rd., Greenville, PA 16125.