Thomas E. Johnston

This is the story of Thomas Elliott Johnston, also known as TJ, Papaw, Newt, Buddy, and PSP (Poor Sweet Papa), a name he used to refer to himself. Thomas, 67, passed away Saturday, June 11 th , 2016 in his Englewood, Florida home surrounded by his loving family. He fearlessly and courageously battled lung cancer, which had been diagnosed on April 23, 2016.

Thomas lived a full and adventurous life. He was born on October 23, 1948 in Albuquerque, New Mexico to William and Dorothy Johnston. In his teen years, he played the guitar and harmonica for his bands, The Rogues and The Leaves. At the young age of 19, Thomas became a first-time father to Juanita and served in the Vietnam War for 12 months as a Combat Engineer. His military service in the U.S. Army kick-started a lifetime career in government service, first as a Federal Protective Officer and then spending the majority of his career as a Special Agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (the ATF). Tom’s family grew with the addition of three daughters: Heather, Leah and Carly. His career took him, his wife Beth, and four daughters all over the state of Ohio, from Cincinnati to Cleveland and then finally to Toledo.

A career as a government agent allowed him to retire at the young age of 51 and move to Englewood, Florida where he bought his final and favorite home. The walls of Tom’s beloved Englewood home told the story of his life through photos of his family, framed newspaper clippings of when he caught the “bad guys,” self-written poems, and favorite works of art painted by his brother, Willard. It was here where he would spend time “pondering issues and plotting his next move,” which included a variety of home projects.

Tom was a lover of life. Those close to him appreciated his many detailed stories and his audacious sense of humor. Tom was proud to say that he had been raising little girls for nearly a half a century. He also said he was weak-kneed at the thought of his children and grandchildren.

Tom is remembered with love by: his wife, Beth Johnston; daughters, Juanita Kreke (husband, Patrick), Heather Hicks (husband, Robert), Leah Lanius (husband, Daniel), and Carly Hamel (husband, Richard); grandchildren, Joseph Kreke (wife, Jessica), Robert Kreke (wife, Jennifer), Jarod Hamel, Samantha Hamel, Jaden Hicks, Landon Hicks, Gabriel Hicks, Andrew Hicks, and Sadie Lanius; great-grandchildren, Hudson Kreke and Harlow Kreke; siblings, William Johnston (wife, Mary Jo) and Dorothy Finucan (husband, Joseph); mother-in-law, Martha Sue Finucan; and many nieces and nephews.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, William and Dorothy Johnston; his brother, Daniel “Jake” Johnston; and his beloved dog, Jake.

Thomas enjoyed each phase of his life, but he especially enjoyed his retirement. With a drink of Sweet Whiskey in one hand and a cigarette in the other, he would often say, “Free at last, free at last! Thank God Almighty, I’m free at last!”

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM on Saturday, July 2, 2016 at Mueller Funeral Home, 6791 Tylersville Road, Mason, Ohio 45040.  A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 4:00 PM at the Funeral Home.  We will continue to celebrate the legacy Tom has left with a toast of Sweet Whiskey following the Service.