Dean Johnston died on Friday, May 16, 2014 at Cloud County Health Center, Concordia at the age of 84. He was born on February 9, 1930 in Concordia, Kansas and raised on a farm southwest of town. Growing up on the farm his parents Harry and Edna (Carlson) Johnston instilled the values of hard work, kindness and humility. His love for animals was abundant, especially his constant companion for the past 13 years, Charlie. He loved his God, his wife Marilyn who has been by his side for 62 years, his 5 children, who knew no greater man, and ice cream. He served in the National Guard and was very active in all his children's activities from scouts to little league. As a senior at Concordia High School, Dean received the FFA State Farm Award. He then went on to attend Kansas State University. Dean was a partner to Gene Ganstrom of Ganstrom and Johnston Contractors and Builders for 35 years. He was an active member of the Baptist Church and was honored to serve many years on the Board of Directors at Sunset Home. His kindness to his family and community will be greatly missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a twin sister, Dorothy Jean Johnston. He is survived by his brother Norman and wife Lois of Concordia, his devoted wife Marilyn of Concordia, sons Bruce and his wife Terry of Plano, Texas, Mark and his wife Kathy of Wichita, Kansas, Jerry and his wife Terry of Las Vegas, Nevada, Bryce and his wife Tracey of Victorville, California, his daughter Susan and her husband Rick Hoppe of Wichita, Kansas, 11 grandchildren (Stephen, Kevin, Austin, Jamie, Trisha, Alisa, Stephanie, Ricky, Mark, Colin and Heather), 8 great-grandchildren (Natalie, Mason, Landon, Jocelyn, Jeremy, Emerson, Preston and Parker) and of course his loyal companion Charlie.

"What was silent in the father speaks in the son and often I found in the son the unveiled secret of the father." Friedrich Nietzsche

Memorial services will be Tuesday, May 20 at 10 am, The Baptist Church Concordia, with burial of the cremains immediately following at the West Branch Cemetery. Friends may sign the register book from 9 am to 9 pm with the family greeting friends from 6 to 8 pm, Monday all at Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home. Memorial may be made to Sunset Home or The Baptist Church. Funeral Home in Concordia is in charge of arrangements.