Marvin Johnston

Funeral services for Marvin Johnston, a Colorado resident for more than 53 years, were held from the Cope Community Church Saturday afternoon. Mr. Johnston, 88, died Sunday, March 13, at his home in Cope.

In Charge of the Saturday service were the Rev. Del Anderson and the Rev. Rick Owsley. With Mrs. Beverly Sidebottom playing organ accompaniment, Karen and Ronald Hooper sang "God Understands", "Rock of Ages" and "How Great Thou Art".

Casketbearers, who were sons and grandsons included: Keith Johnston, Kenneth Johnston, Carroll Johnston, Marion Johnston, Larry Johnston and Jim Johnston.

Burial was in the Cope Cemetery with Yeamans and Gordon Memorial Chapel in charge.

MARVIN JOHNSTON, eldest son of Robert M. and Jennie E. Morton Johnston, was born June 7, 1888, on his father's homestead near Oberlin, Kan. in Decatur County.

He died March 13, 1977 at his home in Cope, (CO.) at the age of 88 years, 9 months, 6 days. He had been in failing health for some time.

He attended schools of Decatur County and later farmed with his father until his marriage to Ada Wilson of the Shibboleth community on May 12, 1915. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary May 12, 1965, with open house at their home in Cope.

She passed away June 18, 1973, after a lengthy illness. They had seven children: Robert Lowell, who died Jan.23, 1974; Lois L., Loveland; Marion M., Bethune; Ruby A., Buhl, ID.; Carroll R., Burlington; Keith E., Chinle, AZ and Kenneth A of Cope.

While still a young man, he contracted a severe case of scarlet fever. In spite of medical opinion that he would be an invalid the rest of his life, he was determined that he would walk again. Through his own efforts he rehabilitated himself and returned to school when he was 21 years of age.

Marvin had farmed in Prairie Dog Township of Decatur County, until moving to Colorado in 1923, in Kit Carson County where they continued to farm until retiring and moving to Cope in 1950.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one granddaughter, Cecelia; two brothers, Oren and Millard Johnston; one sister Orpha Bosler; his wife; and his son, Robert Lowell.

He leaves to mourn his passing: Mrs. Robert Lowell Johnston of Mineral Wells, TX; Lois Seifert and her husband, Jack; Marion and his wife, Betty; Ruby Scott and her husband, Robert; Carroll and his wife, Pat; Keith and his wife, Runette; Kenneth and his wife Clara.

Surviving also are two sisters, Anna Hill and Josephine Bosler of Oberlin, Kan.; 15 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Submitted by: Keith E. Johnston, 2602 31 Street, Lubbock, TX 79410,
E-mail: kjay6@webtv.net