Robert L. Johnston

Robert Leonard Johnston June 14th, 1919 ~ June 4th, 2014 Robert Leonard (Bob) Johnston of Tampa peacefully passed away in his sleep in the early hours of June 4th, just ten days shy of his 95th birthday! Bob was born in St. Elmo, Illinois on June 14th, 1919. He graduated from St. Elmo high school before beginning his college career in Charleston, Illinois. World War II interrupted his education for 5 years when he served in the Air Force. After the war ended and Bob was discharged, he completed his Bachelors' Degree and joined the faculty of the University of Illinois at the Galesburg campus. It was there that he met the love of his life, Harriet Hatch. After they were married in 1949, Bob and Harriet moved to Rockford, Illinois to begin their next 63 years together. After their daughter, Linda, was born they moved to Urbana, Illinois where they soon welcomed their son, Bill. Bob became a Specialist with the Extension Division at the University of Illinois, earned his Masters' Degree in Education and began work on his Doctorate. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Urbana. Bob enjoyed the outdoors and spent countless hours walking in the woods with his family and teaching them about nature. Bob also loved travelling with his family and enjoyed many "road trips" and cruises exploring the United States and beyond. After retiring from the University of Illinois, Bob and Harriet moved to Bradenton, Florida. In 1995 they relocated to Tampa where they lived for the remainder of their lives. His loving wife, Harriet, precedes Bob in death. Also preceding him in death are his parents, Leonard and Myrtle Johnston, his son Bill Johnston and his granddaughter, Tiffany Messingham. Surviving Bob are his daughter, Linda Johnston Messingham, son-in-law Mark Messingham, brother William E. Johnston (Marilyn), sister Betty J. Niesman, six grandchildren and their spouses, twelve great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and dear friends who will all feel his absence. Bob's ashes will travel to Evergreen Cemetery in George, Iowa where he will rest between his wife Harriet and son Bill. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that those remembering Bob engage in a "random act of kindness" or remembrance, of their own choosing, inspired by Bob's love for them and a life well lived.