Bennie B. Johnston

Bennie B. Johnston, 77, of rural Edna, died at 11:50 a.m., Friday, October 12, 2007, at St. John's Regional Medical Center in Joplin, Missouri, from injuries suffered from an automobile accident earlier in the morning near Bartlett.

He was born October 28, 1929, near Bartlett, Kansas, to Vernon and Myrtle (Layton) Johnston where he grew up and attended rural schools. He graduated from Labette County High School. After graduating high school, Bennie served our country during the Korean War in the finance division of the United States Army.

He was united in marriage to Nadine Brooks on February 3, 1952 at Kansas City, Missouri. She preceded him in death on June 2, 2007.

He worked at the Bartlett Co-op for many years. He then worked for the Chetopa State Bank for several years until going to work at the Labette County State Bank at Bartlett where he worked as the branch manager until retiring.

Bennie played league baseball as well as league softball. He also coached Little League Baseball. He enjoyed bowling and playing cards with friends. Bennie also served his community by serving on the Board of Trustee's at Labette Community College. He enjoyed working with the cattle and farming throughout his entire life.

SURVIVORS:
Sons: Dannie Johnston and his wife, Carolyn – New Caney, Texas
Jeffery Johnston and his wife, Bernie – Bartlett, Kansas
Five Grandchildren: Jeremiah Johnston and Crystal Marek
Jennifer Claibourn, Kyle Johnston, and Kelsey Johnston
Two Great Grandchildren: Taylor Johnston and Tayton Claibourn
Three Brothers: Jimmie Johnston and his wife, Betty – Edna, Kansas
Paul Johnston and his wife, Evelyn – Lawrence, Kansas
Dale Johnston and his wife, Marlyn Kay – Coffeyville, Kansas

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 16, 2007 at the Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Altamont. Burial will follow at the Lake Creek Cemetery near Bartlett. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. The casket will remain closed.

Memorials are suggested to the Labette Community College Foundation for scholarships. These may be left at or mailed to Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 325, Altamont, KS 67330.