Ransom Funeral Home
610 South Washington Street
Castalia, OH 44824
Phone: 419-626-6666
Fax: 419-684-5191
Email: ransom244@aol.com
Website: http://www.ransomfuneralhome.com
View All Obituaries from Ransom Funeral Home
Earl "OJ" Johnston, 68, of Castalia, passed away late Monday evening, May 26, 2014, at his home, following a brief battle with cancer.
"We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from body, and to be present with the Lord." II Corinthians 5:8. Earl had this confidence when he left his earthly body.
He was born at the Fremont Hospital on Feb. 2, 1946, to Norbert and Betty (Leaser) Johnston. He graduated from Sandusky High School in 1964, and had numerous certifications in the plumbing, heating, and air conditioning field.
Earl began working in his father's carb shop after school at the age of 12. He also worked at Scott Paper Products as a maintenance repairman until they closed, and at numerous local shops. He retired in 2003 due to disability from Earl's Plumbing, a business he started in the late 1990's.
He was a member of the Columbus Avenue United Methodist Church, joining in the 1970's, and was currently serving as a trustee. He was past chaplain of the Sons of Amvets Squadron 17, Sandusky, and initiated the formation of the National Sons of Amvets VA program and served two terms as its first representative in 1993-1995. He also served as OVH Representative and Deputy Representative for the Sons of Amvets on the OVH Volunteer Advisory Committee from 1993 until present. He w a dedicated volunteer at the OVH since 1988, serving for years as a volunteer driver and most recently as a host, twice weekly in the Peacock Lounge. He also assisted at bingo and special events with the Amvets family and OVH-VAC.
Earl is survived by his beloved wife and best friend, the former Linda Fleming, to whom he married April 29, 1988; sons David, Ronald, Richard, and Eric Johnston; step-son James Kimberlin; grandchildren Courtney, Emily, Cindy, Jillian, and Ava Johnston, Megan and James W. Kimberlin, Noah Downing, Joseph Kimberlin II, and Brandon Scott; great grandsons Maxxwell and Eli; his dog Katie, and cat Toby, all of whom were the joy of his life; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Norbert in 1995; and step-son Joseph Kimberlin in 2001.
Friends may call from 9:30 am Friday, May 30, 2014, until time of memorial services at 11:00 am in the Columbus Avenue United Methodist Church, 2401 Columbus Ave., Sandusky, with the Rev. Paul Atkinson officiating. Burial will be at a later date. Ransom Funeral Home, Castalia, is in charge of arrangements.
Continuous care offered by Stein Hospice was truly a God send. Their staff are very special people. The family would like to thank Cheryl RN, for getting everything in place, and care givers Aimee, Tara, Edna, Ranee, and Steve, along with Beth and Dr. Preston for keeping on top of the events, as they progressed very quickly.
In lieu of floral arrangements, Earl requested donations in his memory be made to OVH-VAC, Inc. Donut Fund, 3416 Columbus Ave., Sandusky, OH 44870. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.ransomfuneralhome.com.
