Peter J. Johnston

KEYSER, W.Va. – Peter J. Johnston, 86, of Keyser, died Thursday, February 28, 2008, at WMHS Braddock Campus, Cumberland, MD.

Born August 31, 1921 in Keyser, he was a son of the late John James and Irene (Stonebraker) Johnston. He was also preceded in death by a son, Peter J. “Jack” Johnston.

Mr. Johnston was a lifelong resident of Keyser and a graduate of Keyser High School Class of 1939 and General Motors Parts School in Pittsburgh, PA. He was a U.S. Army WWII Veteran, having served in European Theater Operation, rank of T5 (Corporal), 3 years and 15 months ETO. After serving in the Army, he learned to fly from instructors Dave Baker and Harold Armstong. He was a car salesman for Barger and Martin Buick and Landis Motors of McCoole before employment at ABL. In 1984 he retired from ABL after 25 years, where he received a commendation for outstanding service.

He and his wife Jean enjoyed traveling in the United States. He was a member of Keyser Presbyterian Church and Boyce Houser Post 41, American Legion. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and woodwork until he lost his sight. He also enjoyed gardening, raising his own plants, both flowers and vegetables, and listening to the talking books provided by the School for the Blind in Romney

Surviving are his wife of 67 years, Jean M. (Haines) Johnston; his two daughters, Renee J. Amtower and husband Randall of Keyser and Barbara Glover and husband Richard of Friendsville, MD and numerous nieces and nephews, including a special niece Cynthia H. McLaughlin and husband Steven of St. Petersburg, Fla.

Funeral Services will be conducted at Markwood Funeral Home on Sunday, March 2, 2008 at 3 p.m. with the Reverend Ernest L. Poland, Jr. officiating. Friends will be received at the funeral home one hour prior to services.

Private interment will be in Queen’s Point Cemetery, Keyser.

If desired, memorial contributions may be made to WV School for the Blind, 301 E. Main Street, Romney, WV 26757.

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