Harold Ross Johnston

World War II Veteran Harold "Bud" Ross Johnston, 98, passed away peacefully in his home in Roland, Ark., on April 7, 2018. He was born in 1920 in Yell County, Ark., to Harold Banks Johnston and Sybil Clarice (Ross) Johnston. He was preceded in death by his wife of 72 years, Sallie (Keeling) Johnston; his son, John H. Johnston; sisters, Mary George, Rena Foster, Jane Klober and Nina Stewart; as well as several brothers and sisters-in-law. He is survived by his daughter, Judy (Bruce) Thompson; daughter-in-law, Mary Johnston; granddaughters, Nikki (Patrick) McDonald, Kristen (Zach) Meador and Laura (Zac) Murtha; brother-in-law, Eugene "Boog" (Ann) Keeling; as well as many nieces and nephews; and great grandchildren, Olivia, Cameron, Natalie, Wyatt, Jayden, Owen, Marley, Hallie and Hannah. After graduating from Dardanelle High School and prior to his entering the National Guard, he worked as a carpenter. His National Guard Unit was activated in 1940. After basic training, he was sent to the Aleutian Islands in Alaska to serve more than two years in the 153rd Infantry Regiment. He then went to Ft. Benning, Ga., for parachute school with the 502nd Parachute Regiment. Upon joining the 17th Airborne Division, his theaters of service in Europe included France, Holland, Belgium, Austria and Germany. Upon returning from WWII, Bud was employed by the USA Fire Department stationed at Adams Field in Little Rock, Ark. The Little Rock Fire Department merged with the USA Fire Department, and he served there for 31 years, retiring in 1976 as a Captain, serving many years at Station 12 on Cantrell Road. Being an avid deer and turkey hunter, Bud was a lifetime member of the Po-Boy No. 2 Hunting Club and kept himself busy with gardening, yard work and grandchildren in his retirement years. He was a longtime member of the Baptist Faith and active in the community of Natural Steps. Bud enjoyed excellent health until until his early 90's, but was able to remain at home thanks to his devoted children, grandchildren and close friends. The family wishes to express a special thanks to the Bonner Family; Jo Raney; The Pharmacy at Wellington; VA Home Based Primary Care and their staff: Dr. Adolf, Donna, Kent, Megan, Phillis, Debra, Chip, Joy, Megan; Arkansas Hospice and their staff: Dr. DeVan, David, Tina, Shanekia, Karen, Deborah, Carly, Ashley, Luther, Laura; and caregivers, Michelle, Natasha, LaShawna and Carman. Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, April 11, 2018, at Brearley Cemetery in Dardanelle, with Military Honors, the Little Rock Fire Department Honor Guard, and the Patriot Guard. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Arkansas Hospice Foundation, 14 Parkstone Circle, North Little Rock, Ark. 72116.