Edwin "Eddie" Owen Johnston

Edwin Owen Johnston passed away on February 3, 2025, at the age of 80, just one day after welcoming the birth of his first great-grandchild. Edwin was born on November 12, 1944, in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, to his mother, the late Dolores Mae "Dolly" Grubbs and Harry Blicharski. He grew up in Pennsylvania and played football in school, graduating from McKeesport High School in 1962. After graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Army as a mechanic and served in the 1784 infantry, marched at the Tomb of the unknown soldier, and was a member of the Old Guard. He received a National Defense Service medal and received his ‘expert’ designation in rifle. After serving, he was one of the first men to be accepted to Stephens ‘all girls’ college, in Missouri. He enjoyed working on set production with the theatre company and met his first wife, Christine. He received his bachelor’s degree in science and later graduated with his master’s in education from West Virginia University. Christine and Eddie were married on December 29, 1972, and raised two children together. During his career he worked his way up the ladder from salesman to Vice President of Mulhern Belting Company. He later joined the Pro Golf Circuit as a pro golfer. His love of travel and golf gave lead to his ultimate career as a golf instructor aboard the Carnival cruise line where he could do both. Eventually he returned to Maryland to be closer to his family. In Maryland he met and married Betty Jane and soon after, they moved to North Carolina. While living in North Carolina, Edwin and Betty adopted their two dogs, Bogey and Dexter. After training Bogey to be a certified service dog, they would volunteer their time at local hospitals and care facilities and were both active members in the church. Eddie developed a faith-based mentorship program to help train others to assist in suicide prevention, particularly for active and retired service members. Later Eddie returned to Chestertown, MD, where his family resides. He could be found riding his high-powered electric trike all around town. He frequently visited Godfreys Farm, Patriot Acres, Sam’s, and of course his daughter’s house. He loved attending football Sunday at his daughter’s and celebrating numerous occasions with his family. He had a passion for his grandchildren’s numerous sporting events, which included Motorcross, Football, Lacrosse, Basketball, Flag Football and Volleyball, and was an avid follower of the women's basketball team, The Fever. He will be remembered as a strong-willed and independent man who was adventurous and determined to live life to the fullest. He will be truly missed. Eddy is survived by his wife, Betty Johnston; daughters, Jennifer Johnston and Joelle Dolch, son in-law Brian Dolch; half-brother, Ricky Johnston; half-sister, Claudia Johnston; 6 grandchildren, Bryan Johnston, Corey Dolch, Jenna Dolch, Jordan Johnston, Jasyah Johnston, Giovanni Gordon and one great-grandchild, Melody Johnston. Donations may be made in his name to the Wounded Warrior Project to prevent veteran suicide at https://newsroom.woundedwarriorproject.org/prevent-suicide Services to be held privately.

Edwin "Eddie" Owen Johnston

November 12, 1944 - February 3, 2025