Raymond Gene Johnston

Raymond Gene Johnston, 88, died peacefully Tuesday, March 28, 2017, at Wesley Acres Retirement Home in Des Moines, with his family by his side. Services for Ray will be held at St. John's Lutheran Church in Des Moines, on Friday, April 7, at 1:00 PM, with visitation to be held one hour prior to the service.

Born to Wesley and Yula Johnston in Lake City, Arkansas, he spent most of his life in Des Moines, Iowa, graduating from North High School, where he met his future wife, Mary Lou Brown. Ray excelled in all of his high school sports: football, basketball, and baseball; achieving many post-season honors. He and Mary Lou were married at St. John's Lutheran Church in 1948. Mr. Johnston attended Drake University and graduated from the Stonier Graduate School of Banking at Rutgers University.

Mr. Johnston’s background in finance is extensive. He served as president and CEO of Central National Bank in Des Moines; and executive vice president and vice chairman of West Bank in West Des Moines.

Other financial positions include past member and chairman of the Small Business Advisory Council for the Small Business Administration and the Iowa Regional Export Expansion Council to the U.S. Department of Commerce, board member of Newton Manufacturing Co., Iowa Automated Clearing House Assn., Iowa Transfer System, the Iowa Business Development Credit Corp., and the Des Moines Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. Johnston devoted much time and energy to the Des Moines community. He served as a board member for the YMCA, Iowa Tuberculosis Assn., Junior Achievement, Big Brothers of Central Iowa, the Wilkie House, and was chairman of the Greater Des Moines United Way. He also was a past president of Wakonda Club and on the board of the Des Moines Club. He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church.

An avid golfer, he played major PGA courses in the U.S. and even scored a hole in one at the Ailsa course in Turnberry, Scotland. In his younger days he loved to ski and play handball.

Mr. Johnston was a generous, kind, and loving husband, father, and grandfather. His positive attitude and sense of humor enriched everyone he knew. Ever the mentor, friends and family alike sought Ray for his wisdom, comfort, and advice. His passing leaves a void in our lives that will be filled by a lifetime of happy memories.

He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Mary Lou, of Wesley Acres in Des Moines; his daughters, Pamela Seaton (Arnold) of Melbourne, Florida, and Rebecca Anderson (Kermit) of West Des Moines; his son, Timothy Johnston (Dawn) of West Des Moines; seven grandchildren: Kathryn Robinson (Brian) of Altadena, CA; Jeffrey Anderson of Chicago, IL; Jonathan Anderson (Carey) of Waukee; Brian Anderson of Des Moines; Kelly Boddicker (Ralph) of Des Moines; Ryan Johnston of West Des Moines, and Tyler Johnston of West Des Moines. He was also the proud grandfather of six great grandchildren.

A special thank you to the caring community of Wesley Acres, but the family is especially appreciative of the love and respect that was given to him by his many friends in John’s Harbor; they are a unique group of dedicated professionals who go above and beyond any simple job description. In Ray’s words, “You are wonderful.”

Ray was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Marlin Johnston.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. John's Lutheran Church in Des Moines, IA. (Online memorials can be made through: www.stjohnsdsm.org) Online condolences may be left at www.hamiltonsfuneralhome.com.

Print