Ralph Johnston

 

Ralph Lewis Johnston, 79, a resident of Morris, died Thursday morning, April 3, 2008 at St. John Medical Center in Tulsa. He was born November 30, 1928 in Hedley, Texas to Joseph and Hettie (Durham) Johnston. He married Rita Holland on July 30, 1949 at the United Methodist Church of Morris. He served in the United States Marine Corps in Korea. Early in their marriage, Ralph and Rita moved away from Morris for Ralph to work in industrial construction. He worked for DuPont, where he received the Man of the Year Award in 1963. He later spent 20 years as piping supervisor at the Arkansas Nuclear 1 Power Plant. After 35 years of living away from Morris they returned in 1985 and Ralph went into the cattle business. He was a well known Simmental Cattle Breeder, having developed his own herd. He enjoyed his cattle and was an avid gardener. Ralph was a member of the United Methodist Church of Morris and the Masonic Lodge.

He was preceded in death by his parents, six sisters and four brothers.

Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Rita, a brother, Carlos Johnston and wife Terry of Mounds, and numerous, nieces, nephews and other loving family members.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 P.M. Monday, April 7, 2008 at the United Methodist Church with Reverends Nathan Mattox and Gary O. Wilburn officiating. Committal services will follow in the Morris Cemetery Chapel, where Masonic Rites will be conducted. Casketbearers will be Nephews and Great Nephews. Friends may visit the funeral home from 12-8 P.M. Sunday. Memorial contributions may be made to the United Methodist Church Memorial Fund. Arrangements are under the direction of the McClendon-Winters Funeral Home of Morris, 421 S. Hughes. Online condolences may be sent at www.mcclendon-winters.com