Jackie R. Johnston

Jackie R. Johnston

(May 31, 1938 – June 2, 2023)

Jackie Richard Johnston , 85, of Shelbyville, IL, formerly of Fox, AR, passed away Friday morning, June 2, 2023 in his residence.

A celebration of life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 11, 2023 at the residence of his son, Jerry Johnston (1782 East 793 North Road, Shelbyville, IL 62565).  Arrangements are by Howe & Yockey Funeral Home, Shelbyville, IL. Memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society and mailed to Howe & Yockey Funeral Home, 415 North Broadway, Shelbyville, IL 62565.

Jackie was born on May 31, 1938 in Shelbyville, IL, the son of Andrew Jackson and Gertrude Corine (Jackson) Johnston. He graduated from Lakeview High School in Decatur, IL, in the Class of 1956. He married Ola “Ilene” Baker on July 6, 1958 and they had five children. Jackie worked at Caterpillar in Decatur for 30 years, retiring as a Prime Products Inspector. He was also a school bus driver for Shelbyville Schools, bus driver for JD Transit, grain truck driver for Naber Grain Corporation and a farrier. After his retirement, Jackie and Ilene moved to Fox, AR, where they lived for 30 years.   While living in Arkansas, Jackie drove a log truck for a logging company.  He enjoyed archery and woodworking.

Jackie is survived by his wife, Ilene; children, Larry Johnston (Debbie) of Ramsey, IL, Jerry Johnston (Gail) of Shelbyville, IL, Richard Johnston (Lisa) of Shelbyville, IL, Julie Finley (Kevin) of Tower Hill, IL, and Brian Johnston (Susan) of Tower Hill, IL; 23 grandchildren, Jesse, JeriAnn, Sandra, Bobby, James, Joe, Alex, Jacque, Ben, Stacey, Penny, Jennifer, Justin, Sarah, Amanda, Jared, Cody, Colby, MaCalla, Josh, Aaron, David, and Zac;  33 great grandchildren, Quenton, Kadence, Mackensey, Adrianne, Lillian, Avery, Grady, Saige, Ace, Joel, Benson, Vivi, Xavier, Kamren, Konner, Zabry, Taylynn, Levi, Owen, Payton, Paul, Luke, Jackson, Mary, Ilene, William, Gracie, River, Roman, Zariah, Kiyah, West, and Ivy; adopted family Mac and Linda Litaker and children; and his Skyland Baptist Church family of Arkansas.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and one sister.