James Dale Johnston

James Dale Johnston, born November 12, 1956, in Monroe, LA, passed away peacefully in his sleep early Saturday morning, June 24, 2023, at Ouachita Healthcare Rehabilitation Center in Monroe.

He was preceded in death by his parents James and Floy Johnston, brother Don Johnston, and brother-in-law Mark Rainwater. He is survived by his sister Charlotte Rainwater, numerous nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles and “favorite cousins” and a multitude of friends.

Dale loved to work puzzles, watch Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy, eat at the Waffle House, go fishing with his Uncle Coy at Lake Claiborne, go to NASCAR races with Mark and Don, ride the scariest rides at the state fair, family reunions, and the list goes on. But his most memorable moment was when he was chosen to carry the Olympic torch in the 1996 Olympic Torch Relay through Lake Charles, LA.

Dale was a genuine people person with the heart of a servant. He would constantly call to check in on his friends and relatives. Once you were his friend, you were his friend for life. He loved NASCAR and especially his favorite driver- Jimmy Johnson. 

~ Bill Booker, cousin

Friday nights won’t be the same for me now that Dale Johnston has passed away. For many years, he called me at 7:00 PM Eastern Time every Friday night.

Dale was born with severe handicaps, and he would today probably be labeled “special needs.” That is not my memory of Dale. In his own way, he was smart. Dale was very aware of the news of the day and his first comments were often, “Did you see.....?” His favorite tv shows were Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune. Other questions were always about my supper, and he was quick to tell what he had eaten or was about to eat. I always asked how he was doing, and the response was always “Good.” Same reply if I asked how his sister Charlotte was doing. Dale was happy when I said, “Goodnight, favorite cousin,” and he repeated it back to me. He didn’t talk long, and he only called once a week.

Dale loved our family. He always wanted to be with family at gatherings small and large. We had family reunions for many years, and Dale was always there. At the later reunions, he was very helpful. A tireless worker, he wanted to be active and involved.

Dale lost his vision somewhere along the way, but he somehow never missed calling even when the day or hour had to be temporarily changed. He could (and would) tell you his call schedule. When asked about family news from those calls, he would always say I’ll talk to him and then give the day of the week of his next call.

Fran Michels started those calls, and I thank her. I treasure the memories of those calls and already miss them. Friday nights will not be the same from now on. Thank you, Fran for your efforts with Dale.

I am confident Dale is in the arms of his mother, father, and brother now. If you ask him how he’s doing, Dale will reply “GOOD.” 

~ Steve McClung, cousin

Burial will be private. There will be a celebration of life, with a family and friends reunion in Dale’s honor, Saturday, July 8, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the fellowship hall of Clark Springs Baptist Church, 139 Clark Springs Road, Eros, LA. We will visit, eat and reminisce.

Dale often shared how he missed family reunions and he would talk about all the things we did at them. He is now having his own unbelievable reunion and would be happy to know we are all together…at last…having a reunion.

Donations may be made to the Gideon’s International, P.O. Box 989, West Monroe, LA 71292-0989.