David Shaw Johnston's Obituary
David Shaw Johnston, 79, of Decatur, Illinois, passed away November 28, 2025, at Decatur Memorial Hospital.
David was born in Decatur on January 17, 1946, the son of William Vincent Johnston, Jr., and Jeanne Suzanne (Shaw) Johnston. He married Sharon Lee Stewart on February 3, 1973, at Selfridge Air Force Base in Michigan. She preceded him in death in 2021.
David graduated from St. Teresa High School in 1964 and the University of Illinois in 1968, where he was honored to be the last salutatorian for that institution. He served proudly and honorably in the U.S. Army, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. During his time in the military, he served in Vietnam and in Germany, among other locations. After his career in the Army, he returned to Decatur to serve as the city’s Director of Information Services. In his free time, he enjoyed reading, horseback riding, running, and target shooting. He was a faithful member of Ss. James and Patrick Parish. Most of all, he loved and cherished the time he spent with his granddaughter. David was a brilliant intellectual whose life was punctuated by his wit and dry humor. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew and loved him.
David is survived by his son William Vincent Johnston IV of TX; siblings Mark E. Johnston of Decatur, Leslie S. (Jeff) Norman of AZ, and Ann E. (Vincent) McCauley of FL; and granddaughter Aurora Ann Johnston. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and brother William Vincent Johnston III.
Graceland Fairlawn Funeral Home is providing cremation services for David. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11am on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at St. Patrick Church. Burial in Fairlawn Cemetery will follow the service. Memorials may be directed to Ss. James and Patrick Parish or St. Teresa High School. Condolences may be shared with the family at https://www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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