May 29, 2008  

CARTHAGE, N.Y.  —  Walter G. Johnston, 80, died Thursday morning at the Country Manor Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, where he had been a resident since December of 1992.

He was born March 12, 1928, in Antwerp, the son of Evelyn C. Johnston. His father died prior to his birth. His mother worked on various farms as a cook, generally in St. Lawrence County, and the family relocated often. He completed the eighth grade despite the many moves. 

He served in the Army from October 1950 to September 1952 and continued to serve in the Army Reserve until 1956. After his discharge, he moved to Carthage to be near an uncle. 

Mr. Johnston was employed as a truck driver and a mechanic by several companies in the area, including American Woodsplitters, Black River. 

He was a member of the Bassett-Baxter American Legion Post #789, Carthage.

He married Ina Cousino on June 5, 1956, in Great Bend. The couple later separated in 1980. She died in February 2004.

Surviving are a daughter and her husband, Angela Campany, Watertown; four sons, Anthony and his companion Anna Schermerhorn, Carthage, Daniel and his wife Chris, Harrisville, Gerald and his wife, Leslie Ann, Harrisvill,e and Scott and his wife Alicia, Carthage; 7 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren; and a brother Frank Dimmick, Pillar Point.

Besides his wife, he was predeceased by several siblings and a son who died in 1963 as an infant, Brian Victor Johnston.

A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, May 31, in the Chapel of the Scherer Funeral Home, 500 State St., Carthage, with Deacon Richard J. Staab officiating. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery, Carthage. Calling hours will be held 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, May 30, at the funeral home. 

Information provided by Bossuot-Lundy Funeral Home, Inc., and Newzjunky.com, Watertown, N.Y.