61° and Overcast
God called Henry Sylvester Johnston, of Saline, to his heavenly home on Thursday, June 20, 2013 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Superior Twp. He was born June 8, 1929 in Chattanooga, TN the son of William T. and Mattie (White) Johnston. After losing his mother when he was 10 years old, Henry lived with his sister, Mary Lou and her family, working to support himself. Jobs included selling newspapers, hotel bellhop, theater usher and working at a dairy and lumberyard. He enlisted in the United States Army at the age of 17 and served twice in Germany and at Ft. Bliss, TX. His time included six years in the regular Army and over thirty years as a reservist, working his way up to Chief Warrant Officer. Henry’s civilian employments included Argus Camera, Aero Radio and Wiedemeyer Electronics for a short time, then he worked at the University of Michigan maintenance for over 30 years as an electrician and electrical supervisor. He also held memberships at the Saline American Legion Post # 322 and the Saline Masonic Lodge #133 F & AM, receiving his 40 year pin in September of 2012.
While in Germany, Henry met an American girl, Barbara Gauerke, from Wisconsin whom he married on July 30, 1948 and she survives.
Other survivors include a son, Michael (Myra) Johnston, three daughters, Donna Johnston, Katherine Ramsland and Ruth (Douglas) Osborne, three grandchildren, Ming (James) Hower, Michael (Stephanie) Johnston and Marc (Brian Guerero) Johnston, three great-grandchildren, Brynna Hower and Bryson and Keeley Johnston, one brother, Charles Johnston, one sister, Iva Sue and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and five sisters, MaryLou, Dorothy, Irene, Geraldine and Imogene and also one sister-in-law, Gene.
There will be a memorial service and celebration of his life on Tuesday, July 30, 2013 at 11:00 A.M. at Holy Faith Church 6299 Saline-Ann Arbor Rd., Saline with the Rev. Ian Reed Twiss, officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Holy Faith Church, Lutheran World Relief or the Saline Area Social Services. To sign Henry’s guestbook, to leave a memory, or for more information for directions please visit www.rbfhsaline.com. Arrangements entrusted to the Robison-Bahnmiller Funeral Home, Saline.
More News from Saline
- What to do in Saline: Ladies Night Out, Neighborhood Garage Sale, Sheriff Forum, Author Event and More Check out our community calendar to find out what's happening this week.
- Your Saline weather forecast for This Week What to expect when you step outside
