Kenneth ‘Ken’ E. Johnston, 85, of Warsaw, Ind., passed away at 3 a.m. Thursday, May 2, 2013, in his home while surrounded by his family.

Ken was born the second of five children to Robert Coy and Esther (Yoder) Johnston. He was a 1945 graduate of Marienville High School, Marienville, Penn. Between high school and going into the service he worked at the Allegany National Forest in Marienville.

Ken served in the United States Navy from 1946-1948 on the USS Gainard in the Mediterranean Sea. During this time he met the love of his life, Jean M. Dunkle, who became his bride on May 22, 1948, in the Methodist Church, Sheffield, Penn.

They began their life in Marienville where he worked as an ironworker for T. Bruce Campbell in West Middlesex, Penn. His ‘on the job’ travels took him, in addition to Pennsylvania, to Ohio, West Virginia and New York. He worked on the Blue Jay Bridge in Pennsylvania and other various sites. His family was very important to him and eventually they settled in Rocky Grove Pennsylvania where he built the family home.

In 1977 Ken was transferred to Warsaw where he became the manager at Fabricated Foundry Flask. He retired Dec. 31, 1990, with 13 years of service. Ken was a member of the Iron Worker’s Union.

Ken was a member of Calvary Baptist Church, Oswego, Ind. But in earlier years, being led by their Lord, Ken and Jean were founding members of the Baptist Temple of Franklin in Franklin, Penn. The church met and outgrew the Johnston’s basement to a membership of 125. They drew up plans and helped build the church as it sets on Pecan Hill in Franklin. Over the years in Franklin he was a church deacon, treasurer and head usher.

He is survived by his wife; two sons: Timothy (Lynda) Johnston, Sheridan, Mont.; Ronald (Cathy) Johnston, Warsaw; two daughters: Lela Decker (Rob) Rummel, Johnston, Penn.; Deborah (Calvin) Bolt, Warsaw; 14 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and a sister: Agnes Vandervort, Marienville.

Ken was preceded in death by his brother: Richard Johnston; and two sisters: Vivian Silveus; and Virginia Thompson.

Visitation will take place from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. today, May 3, at Titus Funeral Home, Warsaw, and again from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 4, at the funeral home. A service celebrating the life of Kenneth E. Johnston will take place at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 4, in the funeral home. Pastor Kirk Barger of Calvary Baptist Church, Oswego, will officiate. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw, where military honors will be conducted by Warsaw’s American Legion Post #49 and VFW Post #1126.

The family has asked that gifts in memory of Ken be given to the American Heart Association, 208 S. LaSalle St. Suite 900, Chicago, IL 60604.