Thomas Johnston

Thomas Johnston, born on April 29, 1948, in Chicago, Illinois, departed this world on November 10, 2024, in Menifee, California. As a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Thomas lived a life devoted to family and friends.

A cherished member of his community, Thomas retired from Sam's Club after 18 years, where his warm-hearted nature and dedication to customer service left a lasting impression on all who had the pleasure of sharing a conversation with him. He was a true people person, always engaging with a smile, embodying the spirit of community in his everyday interactions. Many will remember him as "the best human toy around," fun to mess with, quick with a joke and a willingness to help, even if he sometimes found himself uncertain of how to do so.

His early education culminated in graduation from George Washington High School in Chicago, where he cultivated friendships that would last a lifetime. Following high school, he served honorably in the United States Navy aboard the USS Alamo during the Vietnam War, an experience that shaped him profoundly and became one of his proudest accomplishments. His legacy of bravery and commitment to his country is something his family holds dear.

Thomas found joy in the simple pleasures of life—fishing, building model cars, and tying fishing flies for himself and his friends. He was happiest surrounded by loved ones, especially when watching his grandchildren and nephews play sports. The memories of sitting with him, talking about anything and everything, will be forever etched in the hearts of those who knew him. His laughter and playfulness created a bond with his family that will continue to bring smiles through the years.

He is survived by his loving wife, Connie Johnston; his daughters, Sarah Cordova , and Kristen Johnston; son-in-law, Jose Cordova; grandchildren, Michael Johnston and wife Cynthia Johnston, Jose Gabriel Cordova, Nadya Corvera, Vanessa Cordova, Jayden Corvera; and great-grandchildren, Gabriella Johnston, Emiliano Mendoza, and Gianna Johnston; brother-in-law David Stephenson and family, brother-in-law Carl Loureiro and family, brother-in-law Ralph Stephenson and family, and the children of deceased sister RoseMarie McElyea.

Thomas now joins his mother, Shirley Budinger; father, Thomas Johnston; stepfather, Richard Budinger; sister, RoseMarie McElyea; father-in-law, Earl Stephenson; mother-in-law, Donna Dodd; and sister-in-law, Leann Loureiro, in eternal rest.

Visitation for Thomas Johnston will take place on December 5, 2024, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Forest Lawn - Cypress - Patriots Chapel, located at 4471 Lincoln Avenue, Cypress, CA 90630. A funeral service will follow on December 6, 2024, at 2:00 PM at the same location.

Though we mourn his passing, we celebrate a life well-lived, characterized by kindness, laughter, and love. Thomas Johnston will be deeply missed but forever remembered in our hearts.