William Johnston

William A. Johnston, age 69, of Girard, passed away Wednesday, July l, 2015, at Fairview Manor Nursing Home, following an extended illness.

He was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on May 7, 1946, to William E. and Florence Cederlund Johnston. Bill graduated from Mentor High School Class of 1963. He managed a Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant before starting a career as a professional truck driver, working with several companies and retiring in 2006 from Carbon Express.

Bill was strong in his faith and love for his family and friends. He was happiest when restoring his 1930 Chevy Stake Body Truck and his 1946 Willy’s Jeep, which were highlighted in a Vintage Truck Magazine. He loved to tinker in the garage and enjoyed putting puzzles together.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his sister Dorothy Delaney.

He is survived by his loving companion of over 30 years, Jeri Taylor, his daughter Jennifer Schulz and Brad, his son Jeff and Diane, and his sister Lois Kelly, grandson Jeffrey, granddaughter Emily Speegle, and Olivia and Lauren Schulz. Also surviving are his extended family: Tim and Denise Taylor, Mary and Lou Siliano, and Tracy Taylor, granddaughter Kelly Carson and Rich, and four grandchildren and great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Friends may call at Burton Funeral Home, 525 Main Street East in Girard on Sunday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and on Monday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at 11 a.m. in Burton’s All Faiths Chapel. Burial will follow at Erie County Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 1645 West 8th Street, Erie, PA 16505.