Walter David Johnston was born on July 1, 1920, in Macon, Michigan to Elmer P and Daisy B (Brightbill) Johnston. Walt was the youngest of six children. He grew up in Clinton and graduated from Clinton High School in 1937. On January 8, 1942 he entered the U.S. Army Air Force. He served in Tunisia, Sicily, Italy, Northern and Southern France, the Rhineland, and Central Europe. His unit was awarded the Distinguished Unit Badge with one Oak Leaf Cluster and Walter was awarded eight Battle Stars. Walt was honorably discharged from the Army Air Force on October 11, 1945. He returned to Michigan and worked for the Tecumseh Manufacturing Plant in Tecumseh. On March 16, 1946 Walter David Johnston and Helen Marie Minter were married. They raised their three daughters, Denise Barnes of Allen, Texas, Colleen Shepherd of Snow, Oklahoma and Lisa Hernandez of Tamarac, Florida in Michigan. After 36 years at Tecumseh Products, Walt retired and wintered in Mission, Texas. In 1986 Walter married Viola Beck of Clarks, Nebraska, and traveled between the two homes.

He enjoyed many activities such as wood working, playing pool, bowling, and fishing; but his greatest enjoyment came from playing golf. Walt attended Pierce Chapel United Methodist Church and was actively involved in the church.

Walter David Johnston passed away July 18, 2008.