Lowell Eugene “Gene” Johnston, 85, of Shelbyville, IL, died at 8:45 p.m. Monday, October 12, 2015 in his home with his family.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 17, 2015 in Howe and Yockey Funeral Home, Shelbyville, IL with Rev. Jeremy West officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Friday and also from 10:00-11:00 a.m. on Saturday. Burial will be in Glenwood Cemetery, Shelbyville, IL with military rites by the Shelby County Honor Guard. Memorials may be given to the First United Methodist Church Food Pantry or Save Our Chautauqua.

Gene was born on November 7, 1929 in Shelby County, IL, the son of Paul and Ruby Cutler Johnston. In his youth he was active in Boy Scout Troop #51 of Shelbyville, IL, where he earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He graduated from Shelbyville High School in the Class of 1948 and served in the 44th Infantry Division of the Illinois Army National Guard during the Korean Conflict. Gene spent most of his life in Shelbyville, working in the grocery business. He began his career at the A&P Grocery Store in Shelbyville. He then co-owned Gene and Barney’s Grocery Store and later owned Gene’s Bi-rite Grocery Store both in Shelbyville, IL. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Shelbyville, IL and the Greater Shelbyville Area Chamber of Commerce. Gene was a BIG St. Louis Cardinals fan. He attended several historic Cardinals events and enjoyed going to Cardinals games with his family. Gene loved spending time with his wife and family and sharing stories with his grandchildren. He married Joyce Elaine Pinkston on July 23, 1950 in Mode, IL. They recently celebrated their 65th Wedding Anniversary.

He is survived by his wife, Joyce; children, Debra Perryman of Mt. Zion, IL, Brenda West and husband Richard of Mattoon, IL and David Johnston and wife Sandy of Shelbyville, IL; brothers, Charles Johnston and wife Phyllis of Shelbyville, IL and Donald Johnston and Marilyn of Oconee, IL; brothers-in-law, Don Pinkston and wife Nancy of Shelbyville, IL and Harold Pinkston of Shelbyville, IL; sister-in-law, Evelyn Johnston of Shelbyville, IL; ten grandchildren, Kimberly Beck, Stephanie Record, Heather Owens, Jeremy West, Courtney Theobald, Haley Butler, Cassidy Bolin, Broc Bolin, Blair Johnston and Wade Johnston; fourteen great grandchildren, Nicholas Shields, Morgan Beck, Brady Beck, Kennedy Record, Delaney Record, Kyle Owens, Tori Owens, Carleigh Owens, Maddyx Owens, Amelia Owens, Avery West, Olivia West, Gage Theobald and Kole Theobald; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and daughter, Pamela Butler.

A special thank you to Help at Home and Lincolnland Hospice for their help during this difficult time.

Send condolences at www.howeandyockey.com