Robert E. Johnston

Robert E. Johnston, of Sandy Hook, Kentucky, passed away September 23, 2023, at Morgan County ARH. He died unexpectedly, but peacefully.

It’s impossible to distill 80 years of life into a couple of paragraphs, especially when it was as full and adventurous at Robert’s.

Robert was born September 15, 1943 in Cottle, Kentucky, the oldest of Henry D. and Irene Patrick Johnston. He spent his early years exploring the creeks and hills of War Creek with his many cousins and life long friends. At an early age, Robert’s father taught him to hunt and after that Henry D. said, “I have over done it”. Robert loved hunting, anything that moved.

Robert and Becky were united in marriage on March 27, 1978 in a very simple ceremony performed by Bro. Clavis Adkins. During their first years together, Robert hauled coal and would take his annual hunting trips to Nebraska. Robert later began hauling cars for AAA Best Choice Car Carriers. It was later in their marriage, Becky joined Robert and they traveled the United States hauling cars, for 10 years, together. After that adventure, they began their next one; owning trucks, where Robert took on the duty of dispatching them. They spent their marriage as best friends, living every moment together and the pile of adventures and memories have been endless and impossible to sum up in a sentence, paragraph, or even a book.

Robert is survived by his  wife, Becky Peters Johnston of Sandy Hook, KY and    four children; Cynthia Marie-Lynn Johnston of Mt. Sterling, KY. Crystal Whitley-Johnston Griffith (Tony Griffith) of Sandy Hook, KY. Stephanie Perry (Donnie Perry) of Flemingsburg, KY, and Robert John-Dean Whitley (Shana Whitley) of Sandy Hook, KY. His brother, Ronnie Johnston (Roxie), and sister, Marcella Arnett (Leo).

His grandchildren, Brandon Ferguson (Megan), Bethany Richmond (Jeremy), Rebecka Vanover (Wes), Cameron Griffith (Kylie), Amanda Whitley, Ruby Hall, Jenny Hall, Taylor Whitley, Steven Spears, Josh Spears, Claire Whitley, and Kristofer Hall.

Great-Grandchildren: Caden, Jennah, Brandon, Ryan, Emma, John Patrick, Charles, Waylon, Landon, Braxton ,Levi, Damien, Isaiah, Miranda, Robert Allen, and Ella.

One Great-Great Grandson arriving Nov. 23, 2023, Briar. Nephews Timothy Arnett (Patty) and Mark Johnston and one niece, Vanessa Arnett. He was also survived by his special cousin and friend Eugene Romans (Lucy).

He was preceded in death by his parents and grandson, Jonathon Keith Whitley..

Robert had many talents, from trap shooting and truck driving, to being an avid hunter, chicken fighter and florist. He made sure to teach and include his children in those talents. Growing up you would often see Roberts children tagging right along to tag the next buck, score the next squirrel or follow in his steps rolling 18 wheels down the highway. If you knew him, you know he was far from politically correct and he never minced words, but, you also know that it would be impossible to find a better protector or a man who loved his friends and family more fiercely, who is more honest, loyal or hard-working, than Robert Johnston.

Funeral services will be 1:00pm,Thursday, September 28,2023 in Herald & Stewart & Halsey Chapel with Bro.Reggie Dickerson and Speaker Tony Griffith officiating. Interment in Johnston Cemetery,  Rt.557, Sandy Hook,KY. Visitation will start 11;;30am,Thurdsay at Herald & Stewart & Halsey Funeral home, West Liberty, KY. Pallbearers are grandson and great grandsons.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert E. Johnston, please visit our floral store.