Ronald J. “Moose” Johnston Sr., 77, of Festus died Oct. 20, 2020, at his home. Mr. Johnston was a barber and longtime dispatcher for Pippin Towing in Festus. He enjoyed visiting with friends while supporting his family at the dirt track races and horse shows, and kept Friday nights free in order to play card games such as Gin and Follow the Queen with family. Born March 20, 1943, in De Soto, he was the son of the late Thomas Flavian and Astress Theresa (Craig) Johnston.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years: Cleta “June” (Pippin) Johnston; a daughter: Tena (Kevin Taylor) Peery of Festus; three sons: Ronald “Bo” (Angela) Johnston Jr. of Park Hills, Andrew Johnston of Festus and Jimmy-Jack Larry (Kasey Davis) Johnston of De Soto; 18 grandchildren: Jessica, Ronnie, Demi, Harley, Dylan, Lindsey, Joseph, Nicholas, Anthony, Andy Jr., Haley, Alex, Noah, Drew, Nathean, Griffen, Ma, and Trinity; five great-grandchildren; his eldest brother: Homer (Erna) Johnston of Fenton; and special friend and caretaker Jennifer Buechting Mercer.
A funeral service was held Oct. 23 at Vinyard Funeral Home in Festus, officiated by the Rev. Warren Smith of Potosi. Burial was in the Pippin Family Cemetery in Festus. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association or the National Kidney Foundation. Arrangements were under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home.