Raymond Harold “Bo” Johnston
Raymond Harold “Bo” Johnston, 91, passed away on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, at Sunset Home in Concordia, Kansas. Bo was born in Concordia, Kansas, on December 31, 1931, to Raymond Sr. and Viola (DeLude) Johnston.
Bo attended Notre Dame Catholic School in Concordia, Kansas, and graduated in 1950. After graduation, he joined the Navy Air and was stationed in Alabama and Pensacola, Florida.
During his time in the Navy, he married Barbara Jean Holbert on May 27, 1953, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. They returned to Concordia when he was discharged and added five children to their family, Machelle, Marcia, Kevin, Modene, and Kurt.
Bo’s love of driving took him from racing to his career as a truck driver. As a racer he drove in the Dust Devil Racing Series as #77. This became a family legacy, with a son and grandsons using 77 as their racing number and another grandson using it as his baseball number.
As a truck driver he worked for Wentz Construction. He took part in a number of projects, including driving the final dozer out when Waconda Lake was built. He drove for various other companies, including Boogaarts, from where he officially retired. After retirement, he continued to drive for local farmers.
Bo was a lifelong member of the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church. He was a member of the Antique Car Club, the American Legion, and the Elks. He and Barbara were members of the Cloud County Historical Society and spent many hours doing volunteer work for them. He liked his EARLY morning coffee group and was sometimes seen waiting for McDonald’s to open. He enjoyed being an active member of the Veteran’s Club at Sunset Home.
He continued driving into his later years and was often seen riding around town with his little buddy, Jake.
He is survived by his children, Machelle Raleigh (Tom) of Clyde, Kan., Marcia Jensen of Concordia, Kan., Modene Smith (Terry) of Salina, Kan., Kevin Johnston (Kelly) of Salina, Kan., and Kurt Johnston (Toni) of Concordia, Kan.; grandchildren, Dara, Jill, Stephanie, Amber, April, Travis, Jarrod, Ashly, Jenna, and Trevor; 23 great-grandchildren; and numerous nephews and nieces.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Barbara; brothers, Gary Johnston and Jim Johnston; and sisters, Therese Johnson and Ann Crosby.
Visitation will be held on Monday, December 18, 2023, from 1:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. with the family receiving friends from 6-8 p.m. at the Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home, Concordia, Kansas.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church with Father Joseph Kieffer officiating. A burial will follow in the St. Concordia Cemetery, Concordia, Kansas. Military honors will be provided by the American Legion and VFW, Concordia and the United States Navy Honor Guard.
Memorial contributions may be given to the St. Concordia Cemetery Fund or the O’Connor Animal Shelter in care of the Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home, PO Box 606, Concordia, KS 66901. For online condolences visit www.chaputbuoy.com.