David Edward Johnston

David Edward Johnston was born October 5, 1926, to Mildred and Elmer Johnston, in Elm River Township, North Dakota. He lived a remarkable 99 years and 325 days, leaving behind a family that loved him deeply and a legacy of kindness, humility, and quiet strength.

Dave’s life was a lesson in unconditional love. He taught by example to be kind, show respect, do the right thing, help your neighbors, and help strangers, without expecting anything in return. He never met a kid he didn’t like, and children seemed to feel exactly the same way about Uncle Dave. He spoke loudly through his actions, not his words.

David was the third of 11 children. His early years were spent with his family on a North Dakota farm, until his father died while David was still young.

At age 18, David joined the United States Navy and served his country during World War II. He served in the Pacific as a Fireman First Class aboard the escort aircraft carrier USS Attu (CVE-102).
During the final campaigns of the Pacific War, the Attu repeatedly sailed into forward operating areas, carrying replacement combat aircraft and pilots to the fast carrier forces as they advanced toward Japan. David would later recall the danger posed by Japanese kamikaze aircraft during his wartime service. On June 5, 1945, David was aboard the Attu when she encountered a powerful Pacific typhoon while operating with the fleet. Tremendous winds and seas battered the ship, damaging her flight deck and antiaircraft gun positions and overturning aircraft on deck. After repairs, the Attu returned to the western Pacific and was operating south of the Japanese home islands when word came that Japan had surrendered. David remained aboard through the end of the war and was honorably discharged in January 1946.

After leaving the Navy, David returned home and helped his mother gather his brothers and sisters together, turning the house at 508 South Seventh Street into what became known to generations of the family as the “Johnston House.” He lived there with his siblings until the death of his mother, Mildred.

David later married Eleanor, affectionately known as “Zip.” After her early passing, he continued raising his young children, Gary and Karen, at the Johnston House. He later married Joyce, and 508 South Seventh Street was once again a home filled with children, activity, laughter, and happiness.

David worked for Monroe International for 25+ years.

Dave was a lifetime Gold Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Yakima, Washington. In retirement, Dave and Joyce enjoyed traveling, adventures, and RV camping with his sister, Penny, and brother-in-law, Richie Strawn. He loved fishing in the local streams and lakes, with Riffe Lake among his favorite places, and he and Joyce shared many happy fishing trips there.

Dave never thought of himself as someone special. Everyone who knew him would disagree. It would be difficult to find a more loved or special man. Those who were fortunate enough to know him or simply to meet him will remember his special grin, the twinkle in his blue eyes, his quiet generosity, and the way he made people feel welcome.

David is preceded in death by his wives, Eleanor Francis Snyder Johnston, and Joyce Augusta Miller Johnston. He is survived by his sisters, Penny (Richard) Strawn, and Dona (Harold) Rasmussen; his children, Linda Day, Gary Johnston, Randy Ruegsegger, Karen Johnston, and Byron Sears; his grandchildren, Brenna, Brianne, and Amy; and his great-grandchildren, Lexi, Brealle, Pasley, Grace, and Bennett. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews who knew and loved him simply as Uncle Dave.

Rest in peace, Dave. Your earthly work is done. You taught us all to keep moving quietly forward, to do what is right, to care for one another, and always to have a loving smile to share.

A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at 10:00am, at Brookside Funeral Home (500 W. Prospect Way, Moxee, WA 98936). A Graveside Service will follow at Terrace Heights Memorial Park.

Brookside Funeral Home is caring for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.brooksidefuneral.com.