Clarence Lewis Johnston

Clarence “Butch” Johnston passed away on July 31, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of integrity, service to his country, and devotion to his family, friends, and community. Butch is survived by his beloved wife of 38 years, Karol Johnston (Kane).

A proud veteran, Butch honorably served his country in the United States Marine Corps. Following his military service, he earned a degree in Chemical Engineering from Indiana Tech. He began his professional career as a chemical engineer at Indiana Molding Company (IMCO) in Huntington, Indiana, before transitioning to a sales role with 3M in 1977, where he worked until his retirement in 2002. Renowned for his professional integrity and meticulous attention to detail, Butch earned the enduring respect of his peers and clients, many of whom became lifelong friends.

Though he loved working a puzzle, he was an avid outdoorsman. Butch found great joy in fishing, gardening, hiking, photography, trains, leatherworking and geocaching. Butch completed an arduous hiking trail at the Grand Canyon twice, although always said that his favorite hike was “Fat Man Pass” at Arizona’s South Mountain Range.

With Karol at his side, they designed and built a beautiful home on Waubee Lake in Milford, Indiana where they embraced friends and family. When they relocated to Arizona, he took pride in knowing every mountain range by name—having hiked most himself. Butch was also deeply committed to youth leadership, serving for many years as a Cub Scout and Boy Scout Leader in Indiana. As the leader of Troop 630, he founded the annual Boy Scout innertube float in Huntington, Indiana, a cherished community tradition. Through his mentorship, he helped guide countless young men toward becoming active, principled citizens. His guidance will be forever continued through his children and grandchildren.

He is also remembered by his children, stepchildren, grandchildren, and great-grandchild:

• Son: Keith Johnston and his wife, Nicole (Jackson), of Millersburg, IN; grandchildren Keira Johnston of Grand Rapids, MI, and Zachariah Johnston and Elijah Johnston of Millersburg, IN.

• Daughter: Dianna Stoltz (Johnston) and her husband, Paul Stoltz; grandson Darren Rowland of Huntington, IN.

• Son: Michael Johnston and his wife, Karen (Brown), of Huntington, IN; grandchildren Nicholas "Nick" Chapman (wife Litty) of Davenport, IA, and Robert Chapman of Anderson, SC.

• Daughter: Debbie Zufan (MacLagan) and her spouse, Christie McElfresh; grandchildren Tara Zufan and Peyton Zufan.

• Daughter: Pamela Pivaronas (MacLagan); grandchildren Kayla Pivaronas, Hannah Machronas (Pivaronas) and her husband, Aaron Machronas; great-granddaughter Charlotte Machronas.

• Son: Scott MacLagan; grandchildren Brooklynn MacLagan and Campbell MacLagan.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence Harrison Johnston and Mabel Williams Johnston, as well as his grandson, Clayton Kane MacLagan.

Butch’s dedication to his country, his career, and his family will be remembered by all who knew him.

We would like to invite you to join us for a Celebration of Butch’s Wonderful Life on Saturday, September 12 from 6pm-10pm at The Annex at Sqwires, 1415 S. 18th Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63104.

Please indicate if you will be attending the event in the Add A Memory section. Your thoughts and memories of Butch are deeply appreciated whether or not you are able to be with us in person.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his name to the Anthony Wayne Area Council to commemorate his love of scouting.

To Mail a donation:

Anthony Wayne Area Council, Scouting America 8315 W. Jefferson Blvd Fort Wayne, IN 46804

If preferred, below is the link for an on-line donation

https://donations.scouting.org/council/157/appeal/9653