Bom-Wrapper

About An Amazing Life|Help

Clifford James
Johnston

March 29, 1945 – October 5, 2018

Share this tribute
Clifford Johnston
Memorial Candles Lit for Clifford | SEE ALL
"We are honored to provide this Book of Memories to the family."
— Oak Crest Funeral Home
"Shannon- Thinking of you. Wishing you and your family moments of peace and comfort as you remember your father. Sending Iowa Love"
— Heathur Aanrud

Obituary for Clifford James Johnston

Print
Clifford Johnston, 73, of China Spring, TX passed away on Friday, October 5, 2018 in his home surrounded by family. Mass of Christian Burial will be 12 pm Wednesday, Oct. 17, at St. Louis Catholic Church with Father Ryan Higdon as Celebrant. Private burial will be later at China Spring Cemetery. The Rosary Service led by Dr. Jim Moshinskie will be 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 16, at OakCrest Funeral Home, followed by visitation with the family.

Cliff was born in Pittsburgh, PA to Omer and Rita (Fisher) Johnston on March 29, 1945, 20 minutes after his twin brother, Chris. After graduating from Derry Area High School in 1963, Cliff went on to earn a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Penn State University. He was married to Sally Jackman on September 28, 1968. While living in Latrobe, PA, the couple welcomed four children into the world.

In 1982, Cliff moved his young family from PA to China Spring, TX, just outside of Waco. He raised his three sons and daughter on a modest country estate where he loved to garden and tinker with his tractors. When his children were small, he often took them fishing and camping and even braved a few road trips in the family van. He was an avid woodworker who enjoyed building toys and carving figurines. His engineering career enabled him to travel to the far corners of the world, feeding his sense of adventure. Cliff served 30 years in the US Army and Army National Guard in both PA and TX, rising to the rank of Captain before retiring from service in 1991. He spent 45 years working as a mechanical engineer for various companies, eventually becoming a Vice President of Engineering, before working for himself as a highly respected industry consultant. He retired from professional life in 2010. Cliff was a very proud, joyous grandfather to seven grandchildren, who lovingly called him Poppop.

Later in life, he joined the Knights of Columbus, becoming Sir Knight 4th degree. He served his church by serving others, offering communion as a Eucharistic minister at Providence hospital in Waco and St Philips Catholic Church of China Spring.

Cliff was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Sally Johnston of China Spring, TX; son Jason Johnston of Valley Mills, TX, his wife Tammy and children Samantha, Meagan and Madison; son Corey Johnston of Aubrey, TX, his wife Nicole and children Andersen and Carter, son Clay Johnston of Waco, TX, his wife Georgia and children Mahalie and Maya; favorite daughter Shannon Johnston of Austin, TX; twin brother Christopher Johnston, wife Judy of Derry, PA; sister Marlaine Griffin, husband Rich of San Jose, CA; and brother George Johnston, wife Deborah of Derry, PA; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Philip Catholic Church, 13095 Old China Spring Road, China Spring, TX

PALLBEARERS
Tim Condon
Cory Viertel
Scott Blattman
Mark Morgan
Bobby Craig
Mike Goldsmith
Robert Barto
Jerry Woodard
Anthony Rodriguez

To send flowers to the family of Clifford James Johnston, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Visitation

When Tuesday, October 16th, 2018 6:00pm
Location
OakCrest Funeral Home
Address
4520 Bosque Boulevard
Waco, TX 76710
Location Information
Located directly across the street from the Heart of Texas Fair Grounds
Additional Information Dr. Jim Moshinskie

Service Information

When
Wednesday, October 17th, 2018 12:00pm
Location
St. Louis Catholic Church
Address
2001 N. 25th St
Waco, TX 76708
Service Extra Info
Father Ryan Higdon

Interment Information

Location
China Spring Cemetery
Address
China Spring, TX 76633
Interment Extra Info
Private
Share by: