Ernest L Johnston

ERNEST L. JOHNSTON, 89, of Mt. Vernon passed away Wednesday morning, July 17, 2019, in Mt. Vernon.

He was born in Mt. Vernon, IL on July 21, 1929, the son of Lee & Letha (O’Neal) Johnston.

He married Eflene (Smith) on Dec. 24, 1950, and she preceded him in death on Oct. 25, 2014.

Mr. Johnston was a member of the Bonnie Church of God. He sang all over Illinois for several years, and on television & radio with The Prophets Quartet.

Ernie was successful in everything he did. Mr. Johnston began his career teaching, realizing he needed more income for his family he went to work for World Book, starting out as a part time rep, then becoming Zone Manager for the western part of the United States, then after receiving several advancements and promotions with World Book was given the opportunity to move his family to London England for four years, where he served as Manager in England and the British Isles. He then served as Deputy Director & Vice President for International operations of World Book Encyclopedia. He completed his career with World Book in St. Louis, where in just his second year back, he received the top Branch Manager award for the United States.

Mr. Johnston is survived by his:

3 Children: Randy Johnston of Mt. Vernon

Rhonda Deeney & husband Joe of Manchester, MO

Michelle Reed of Herrin

Grandchildren: Jason Nelson & wife Tammy

Melissa Nelson

Larissa Johnston

Randi Johnston

Robert Green & wife Amanda

Michelle Tindell & husband Logan

Clayton Reed

Connor Reed

Camden Reed

GreatGrandchildren: Jakob Nelson

Brendan Nelson

Asher Nelson

Sophia Nelson

2 Sisters: Verla Grammer of Royalton

Gayla Lane & husband Lonnie of Indianapolis, IN

Mr. Johnston was preceded in death by his Parents, by his Wife, by a Daughter-LaDonna Johnston, by a Granddaughter-Allyson Piper, by 2 Brothers-Newton Becker & Gene Becker & wife Pauline, by 2 Sisters-Charlotte Garrison & her husband Jim, and by Roxie Williams & her husband Robert, and by a Brother-in-law-Lonnie Grammer.

Funeral services will be held at 10 A.M. MONDAY, July 22nd at the Bonnie Church of God with Pastor Micah Arcuri officiating. Burial will be in Bethel Memorial Cemetery in Mt. Vernon. Visitation will be from 2 to 6 P.M. Sunday at the Bonnie Church of God.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to the Bonnie Church of God.

The Johnston Funeral Home in Ina is in charge of arrangements.

For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.johnstonfuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.