Robert Wallace Johnston was born on August 7, 1952 in Hartford Connecticut to Lucy and Milton Johnston.  Rob grew up in Enfield, Connecticut.  Right out of high school, Rob moved to Manhattan, Kansas to enroll in Kansas State University where he majored in Dairy Science.  He graduated from KSU in 1976.  Rob met Susan while attending K-State and they were married on August 2, 1975.  Together they were blessed with two sons, Zachary and Matthew Johnston.

Rob worked in the Coop business as a feed salesman initially, however eventually worked his way up to Coop Manager.  He was the Manager of the Caldwell Coop until his retirement.  This is where they settled in 1987 and raised their two sons.  Rob loved socializing and being with his coop "family".  He also enjoyed attending K-State Football Games, spending time with grandchildren, and music.

Rob served on the Caldwell School Board for 8 years.  He believed a good education was very necessary for success.  Rob enjoyed reading and was always open to learning more and expanding his own knowledge.

During his retirement, Rob enjoyed working on the farm.  He had a passion for working with animals, especially cows.  While working on the farm with his son Matt, they successfully artificially inseminated many cows.  It was here that Rob would disappear for stretches of time and no one would know where he was, it was common to find him caring for the animals or working in the shed with his sons.  He also started quite the chicken business!  His passion for animals carried over into 4H where he was always willing to help any child with a project.  Thanks to Rob, affectionately known by Gramp, his grandchildren have many new animals on the farm to learn from and care for.

After a short battle with a severe infection, Rob passed away on November 11, 2020 at Harry Hynes Hospice Unit in Wichita, Kansas.  Rob didn't have a fear of dying, just a fear of leaving behind all those he truly loved and cared about.  He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Susan Johnston; sons, Zach and his wife Shalyn and Matt and his wife Jenny; father-in-law, Dick Watt; grandchildren: Corder, Doss, Mara, Rafe and Ruby; brother, Brian Johnston of Germany.  Rob is preceded in death by his parents, Lucy and Milton Johnston of Connecticut; brother, Bruce Johnston of Connecticut; and mother-in-law, Patricia Watt of Harper.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made out to: KSUF/Joseph Lieber Memorial Cooperative Scholarship (Kansas State University) or Grandchildren Education Fund (Stock Exchange Bank) and can be sent in care of the funeral home.

Visitation is 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home with family present 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. to receive friends.  Please wear protective face covering if able to do so.

Graveside Service is 2:00 p.m. Monday, November 16, 2020 at the Harper Cemetery.  Please wear protective face covering if able to do so and practice social distancing.

The family appreciates your concern, support, and caring thoughts that have been shared with us.

Prairie Rose Funeral Homes, 613 W 14th St ~ Harper, Kansas  67058.