Harold Lee Johnston (July 19, 1939 - July 20, 2026) | Obituaries – Lake of the Ozarks

Harold Lee Johnston Obituary

Harold Johnston, son of Homer and Theodora Johnston, was born and grew up in Hillsboro, Illinois. He passed away at his home in Camdenton, Missouri, on July 20, 2026 at the age of 87. On January 27, 1979 he married Nancy Evington Scott. At the time of Harold’s passing, they had been married 47 years.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents, his birth mother Clarice Perigo Johnston; his siblings Gertrude Southwick, John Charles Johnston, and Mary Helen Botkin; and his beloved daughters Trudi Blake and Jodi Koudelka.

He is survived by his wife Nancy Johnston; his son Mark Alan Johnston of Camdenton; adult grandchildren: Mark Johnston, Mike Kazlaskia, Roy Blake, Christopher Blake, Marshall Blake, and Mat Blake (all of Colorado), Melissa Blake, Nicole Blake, Ryan Blake, and Jodi Blake (all of Nevada), and Anne Koudelka (Oregon); numerous great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, and friends.

Harold went to California shortly after graduation from Hillsboro High School. He worked as a lineman for Pacific Telephone and was fond of climbing poles into his middle age just to show he could still do it. Harold was married to the late Rita Rae Rogers in Boulder City, Nevada in 1960 and together they had 3 children (Trudi, Jodi, and Mark). His two daughters were born in California, before moving to the St. Louis area in the late 1960s. His son was born in Florissant, Missouri. Harold worked in St. Louis for Bennett Paper Corporation until moving in 1977 to be the Resident Manager at the Kansas City branch of Bennett. He subsequently worked for National Steel and Performance Materials.

It was in Kansas City that he met and married Nancy. Harold already had a babysitter lined up for his 10-year-old son, when his date had to cancel. On a whim, he called Nancy whom he had only met briefly once before. That one last-minute date turned into almost 50 years together.

After retirement, Harold and Nancy moved to the Camdenton area. They transferred membership to Community Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Harold found great joy in helping others. He was passionate about ringing bells for the Salvation Army. He signed up for almost every day throughout the Christmas season. He would drive by to make sure someone was covering the Walmart door at other times, and if there was not a ringer, he would jump out and cover another shift. He delivered Meals on Wheels for many years, often returning to a client’s home after finishing his deliveries to help with a needed repair or a specific project. He was happy to help with driving persons to and from doctors’ or rehab appointments. He was a committed blood donor, donating many gallons of blood. In his spare time, Harold enjoyed fishing, boating, and tinkering in his garage.

During the years of his dementia, Harold was blessed to have great care from compassionate, professional caregivers who became friends. We are grateful for their support. We extend our thanks to them and to the staff of Compassus Hospice.

Harold is remembered by his son and adult grandchildren for his love, as an example of how to treat his fellow human beings, his patience, and his sense of humor. No matter how stoic he seemed, a joke or a funny face was always just a moment away. We shall miss him.

No formal service is planned at this time. His body will be cremated and ashes buried at Dale Blair Memorial Cemetery.

Donations in Harold’s memory may be made to the Salvation Army or to Medical Missions for Christ.

Arrangements are under the direction of Hedges-Scott-Millard Funeral Homes, 1270 S Business Route 5, Camdenton, MO 65020 (573) 346-2090.