Theodore Earl Johnston, 72, of Meadville, passed away peacefully, Tuesday, August 12, 2014 at Rolling Fields Eldercare Community, Conneautville due to complications from pulmonary fibrosis and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's Disease).
A life-long resident of Meadville, Ted was born June 11, 1942 a son of Patterson and Florence Schwab Johnston. He married Margaret L. Mattocks June 18, 1960 and she survives.
Ted retired early this year from a career in the tool and die industry that spanned more than 50 years and included being past president of the National Tooling and Machining Association. He began his career at PA Tool and Gage, served his apprenticeship, worked and became part owner of Canto Tool over 35 years, then worked for 10 years at Pennco Tool and came full circle retiring from PA Tool and Gage.
He was a member and Elder of Watson Run Presbyterian Church, a 32nd Degree Mason and Past Master of Masonic Lodge 234, a member of the Kismet Grotto, National Rifle Association and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Ted dedicated a great portion of his life to service to others, including the West Mead #1 and Vernon Central Vol. Fire Departments, the PA Game Commission, Vernon Twp. Planning Commission, Meadville Babe Ruth Baseball and Vernon Twp. Little League. Ted was also an active booster for the Meadville Area Senior High School wrestling team, working the Tool City Tournament for 25 years and serving as its President for 10 years.
Above all, Ted enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He also enjoyed hunting, especially in the Rocky Mountains, fishing, attending his grandsons sporting events and listening to bluegrass music.
In addition to his wife Margie, of 54 years, Ted is survived by three sons, Dale E. Johnston and his wife Susie of Meadville, Brian L. Johnston and his wife Sue of Meadville and Lance R. Johnston and his wife Melissa of Cranberry Twp.; five grandsons, Kenneth, Bill, Tyson and his wife Sarah, Jacob and Jarrett; two great grandchildren, Mason and Madelyn; a sister, Norma Palmer of Meadville and several nieces and nephews, including Jay Palmer of Blooming Valley, with whom he was especially close.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother-in-law, Lester Palmer.
Calling hours will be Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the Robert W. Waid Funeral Home, Inc., 581 Chestnut Street, Meadville with a Masonic Service at 6:45 p.m.
The funeral service will be Friday at 11 a.m. at the Meadville Masonic Center, 21635 Star Route #27, Meadville with the Rev. Frank Duncan, Pastor of Watson Run Presbyterian Church, officiating.
Interment will be in Denny Cemetery.
The family would like to thank the staff at Rolling Fields for their wonderful care and concern.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be made to the Meadville Masonic Center, 21635 Star Route #27, Meadville, PA 16335 or Watson Run Presbyterian Church, 13594 Harmonsburg Road, Meadville, PA 16335.