Charles H. "Charlie" Johnston, 93, of Hillsboro died Oct. 23, 2026, at Mercy Hospital South in St. Louis County. Mr. Johnston served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was a member of American Legion Post 253. He was a retired deliveryman and salesman for Home Service Oil Company. He was the eldest surviving member of Sandy Baptist Church of Hillsboro and served as Sexton of Sandy Cemetery for 35 years. He enjoyed tending to his vegetable garden, attending the sporting events of his children and grandchildren and spending time with his family and friends. Born Nov. 26, 1932, in Hillsboro, he was the son of the late Ada Florence (Jett) and James Frank Johnston.
He was preceded in death by his wife: Edith Louise "Lucy" (Coplin) Johnston.
He is survived by two sons: Charles E. “Rusty” (Beth) Johnston of Hillsboro and Ronald James (Kim) Johnston of Hillsboro; a sister: Thelma (the late Donald) Shelton of De Soto; four grandchildren: Ryan (Alisia) Johnston, Aaron Johnston, Molly Johnston and Josey Johnston; five great-grandchildren: Isaac Johnston, Grace Johnston, Charlie Mae Johnston, Kinleigh Gentry and Gracie Smith; and two great-great-grandchildren: Theo and Ryleigh.
He also was preceded in death by two brothers: Lindsay Johnston and infant Leroy Johnston; and a sister: Georgina (the late Jack) Shultz.
Visitation is scheduled from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, at Vinyard Funeral Home, 616 W. Main St., in Festus. Visitation will resume from 10 a.m. until services at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 28, at Sandy Baptist Church of Hillsboro, 9331 Sandy Church Road, officiated by Pastor Ryan Johnston. Burial with full military honors will be in Sandy Cemetery of Hillsboro. Memorials may be made to the Mineral Area Baptist Association for Disaster Relief, 5169 Flat River Road, Farmington, 63640. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home.