Robert "Gene" E. Johnston, Jr.

Robert E. “Gene” Johnston, Jr., age 75 of Mansfield, passed away on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at Avita Ontario Hospital. He was born on December 20, 1950, in Mansfield, Ohio, to the late Robert E. and Mary Alice (Galaher) Johnston, Sr.

Gene proudly served his country in the USMC during Vietnam. He worked for and retired from the State of Ohio Corrections working as a juvenile corrections officer. Gene played lead guitar and sang in several bands over a 40-year period. He enjoyed golfing, bowling, and softball.

Gene is survived by his children Melissa (Brad) Ervin of Ridgeway, Ohio, Schon (Amy) Johnston of Galion, Michael (Mindy) Goad, of Mansfield and Linda (Barry) Beugly of Wooster; eleven grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; and siblings Brenda (Arthur) Hicks, Philip (Barbara) Johnston, Roberta (Tony) Pifher, Denise Garrison, and Donald (Dee) Seymour; and special friend Susie Duncan.

He was preceded in death by his wife Linda Kay Johnston; parents Robert and Mary Alice Johnston, Sr.; his grandparents; sister Betty Sue Johnston; son Robert Michael Wente; and grandchildren Connor Michael Goad and Casity Gail Goad.

Calling hours will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Monday, July 20, 2026 at Werner-Gompf Funeral Services, 1106 Park Avenue East, Mansfield. Funeral services will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Mansfield Memorial Park.

The family would like to invite friends to join them following the burial at 3:00 p.m. at the VFW Post 3494 on Ashland Road, Mansfield for a celebration of life meal.

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