Jeffrey Thomas Johnston, son of Jerald “Tuffy” Johnston and Ethel (Scherbring) Johnston, was born Oct. 13, 1950, in Carroll. He graduated from Glidden-Ralston High School.
In May 1970, Jeff entered the United States Army and served his country during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged in 1972.
Jeff had an enthusiasm and passion for cars, sports and horses. He was a drywall installer and lived in Des Moines before moving to Jefferson. He died of cancer on March 2 at Kavanagh Hospice House in Des Moines at the age of 70.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Sandra; an infant son, Jess; a brother, Joe; an infant sister, Julie; and a brother-in-law, Bill Kurth.
Survivors include his wife, Lori Ferguson, of Jefferson; son Jeff (Tera) Johnston; grandchildren: Trysten, Rylie, Tobin, Rhoen; son Justin (Charlie) Johnston; grandson: Zachary; son James (Tarah) Johnston; grandson Carter; four sisters: Judy Kurth, Jane (Ron) Burdine, Janice Neal, Annie Johnston; and one brother, John (Chris) Johnston; one sister-in-law, Ruth Johnston; stepchildren and their families: Chad (Traci) Ferguson, Brad (Stephany) Ferguson, Alan Ferguson, Tessa (Matt) Weir; other relatives and many friends.
A military honor service for the family is set for 11 a.m. March 15 at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery. Following that service, everyone is welcome to a luncheon at the Veterans Reception Center in Van Meter.
Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home of Jefferson is assisting the family.