Larry Reginald Johnston

Larry Reginald Johnston, age 89, passed away peacefully, with his family around him, at his son’s home in Carmel, Indiana. He was born on August 30, 1936, in Wayne, Michigan, and was the only child of Alton and Elinor (Baker) Johnston.

Larry graduated from high school and later enlisted in the Air National Guard. Following his service, he began a long career with Ford Motor Company, eventually relocating to Indianapolis, Indiana, where he retired after 40 years of dedicated service.

To know Larry was to know his love of all things mechanical. In his early years, he built and raced dragsters at Indianapolis Raceway Park. He later became an avid train enthusiast, traveling throughout the Midwest trainspotting. Larry was also a passionate collector of model cars, trains, and coins.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Alton and Elinor Johnston; his first wife, Constance (Burkhart) Johnston; and his third wife, Joanna (Wycoff) Johnston.

He is survived by his daughter, Sandra Johnston, and her husband, Dr. Ali Abu-Alya; his son, William Johnston, and his wife, Laura Johnston, and his beloved grandchildren: Amir Abu-Alya, Nicholas Johnston, Henry Johnston, Marshall Johnston, Jarrod Nichols, Megan Nichols.

Larry was a kind and generous soul who deeply loved his family and always had an eventful story to tell. His family continues to share his humor and the memorable quips they lovingly referred to as “Larry-isms.”

A graveside service will be held Sunday, January 17, at 3:00 p.m. at Miller Cemetery in Shelbyville, Indiana, where Larry will be laid to rest.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Disabled American Veterans (DAV) in Larry’s memory.