Gary Johnston

GARY LEE JOHNSTON

Fairfield

Gary Lee Johnston, 80, of Fairfield, Iowa, passed away April 26, 2020, at the University Iowa Hospitals

and Clinics after a brief illness.

Gary was born April 30, 1939, in Fairfield, Iowa. He was the son of Kathleen (Kerr) and Glenn L. Johnston of Birmingham, Iowa. Gary was raised on a farm south of Birmingham and loved to work outdoors taking care of the land and animals. He attended a small country school for his elementary education and later attended and graduated from Fairfield High School in 1957. It was during this time that he met the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Loretta Dunnuck. Gary and Loretta were united in marriage in 1957.

Gary was a loving and devoted husband to his wife, Loretta of 63 years and an amazing father to his three children, Jeffrey Lynn, Cynthia Kay and Christine Rae.

Gary worked in the trucking industry most of his life for companies like H&W, Western and owned his own freight company in Fairfield, called Fairfield Freight. He later retired and spent his mornings as the maintenance manager for Calu Apartments in Fairfield, Iowa. There wasn't anything that Gary couldn't do. From renovating the entirety of his home to building his own backyard pond, he could always be found pursuing a project. He remained active up until his death. His love for his dogs, Gracie, Macy, Lacy and Megan was no secret. They gave him great peace and joy in his life.

Gary had a heart of gold. His kindness, generosity and commitment to his community will leave an everlasting impact on those who were lucky enough to know him.

Those left to cherish his memories include his devoted wife of 64 years; his three children, Jeffrey Lynn (Fairfield), Cynthia Kay Albert (Sigourney, Iowa) and special friend Randy Weber, and Christine Rae Donald (Orange Park, Fla.) and husband, Steve Donald. His three grandchildren, Taylor Corinne Donald (Miami, Fla.) Derek Adair Albert (Sigourney) Jordan Robert Albert (Houston, Texas) He was the brother of Danny Johnston of Big Springs, Neb., and sister Beverly Obrien of Fairfield. Taylor Corinne Donald (Miami, Fla.) Derek Adair Albert (Sigourney) Jordan Robert Albert (Houston)

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Kathleen and Glenn Johnston, Birmingham; and Cinnamon, Sassy, Chloe and Maggie, his beloved dogs.

A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. All donations can be sent to 1103 E. Jefferson, Fairfield, Iowa for a special memorial that will be placed in his yard that he always worked on.