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Charles Thomas 'Tom' Johnston of Marion

Charles Thomas "Tom" Johnston, 83, of Marion, passed away at 7:47 a.m. on Wednesday, May 9, 2018 at the VA Medical Center of Marion.

He was born on Sunday, May 12, 1934 in Herrin, the son of Charles Wayne "Boogie" and Maureen (Worthen) Johnston.

Tom attended school in Marion where he was actively involved in sports and was a graduate of Marion High School Class of 1952.

Tom answered the call of his nation by enlisting in the United States Army in June of 1953. Following his faithful service overseas in the Korean conflict, he was honorably discharged on May 14, 1955.

After serving in the U.S. Army he returned home and continued his education at Southern Illinois University, where he received his bachelor's degree in accounting in 1958.

After many years as a public accountant, Tom was comptroller for Dowen Enterprise in Shawneetown for more than 20 years and did individual tax returns for his many clients.

Tom was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Marion and was a member of the VFW, Elks and Eagles clubs, and the Knights of Pythias, all of Marion, living on the "K.P." Lake for 22 years. He was a lifetime member of Williamson American Legion Post 147 where he served in many capacities as an officer and trustee for more than 60 years.

He loved sports and for many years coached the American Legion baseball team. He was a fan of Marion High School sports programs. In his spare time, he enjoyed playing golf, fishing, and especially enjoyed spending time with his family.

The many memories created will now be cherished by those he leaves behind.

Tom is survived by his children, Tom (Joni) Johnston, of Marion, Tina Wall and Jason Boatright, of Marion, Joe Johnston and wife, Kimberly Absher-Johnston, of Herrin, and Tim Johnston and Heather Cartwright, of Collierville, Tennessee.

He is survived by 17 grandchildren, Justin, Julie, Jodi, Johnna, Jayme, Amber, Aaron, Austin, Amilia, Addison, Haleigh, Mackinleigh, Nicholas, Emily, Annie, Sydney and Jacob; 16 great-grandchildren; three brothers, Tim (Carol) Johnston of Shelbyville and "Butch" Johnston, and "J.J." Johnston, both of Marion; aunt Melba Stiritz of Marion; other extended family, and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant brother, Joe Warren Johnston, and an infant granddaughter, Jacqueline Grace Johnston.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court St., Marion. The visitation will be on Sunday, May 13 from 1-4 p.m. at the funeral home.

The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Monday, May 14, at the funeral home, where the Rev. Derek Levins will preside. Interment will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery of Marion.

Following the services, a Celebration of Life will be held at Williamson American Legion Post 147 in Marion.

Military honors will be accorded at the cemetery by members of Heyde-Pillow V.F.W. Post No. 1301 and Williamson American Legion Post 147 Ritual Team of Marion, and members of the U.S. Army National Guard Funeral Honors Burial Detail.

For those who prefer, memorial contributions may be made to "Marion American Legion/V.F.W. Ritual Team" and mailed in care of Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court Street, Marion, IL 62959. Memorial envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

For additional information, complete family information or to leave an online condolence of memory, visit www.wilsonmcreynolds.com or call the funeral home at (618) 993-2131.