Stanley B. Johnston

When life flows by like a song.

But the man worthwhile is the one who will smile

When everything goes dead wrong.

For the test of the heart is trouble,

And it always comes with the years;

But the smile that is worth the praises of earth

Is the smile that shines through the tears.”

Author unknown

Stanley B. Johnston entered this life on November 25, 1925 in Fort Dodge, Iowa and finished his race well on January 13, 2021. These words tucked within the cover of his Bible represented the life he lived daily.

His spirit is carried on by Florence, his sweetheart of more than 72 years, his 4 children, 10 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and extended family of relatives and friends from every walk of life, especially from his beloved Beacon Baptist Church. We were blessed to learn many valuable lessons from Stan over his 95 years with us.

He loved his country and what it represented, and taught us the privilege of being an American through stories he shared of his time fighting under General Patton in WWII’s Battle of the Bulge at age 18.

We learned never to take things for granted, to cherish always the blessings of family through his countless acts of selfless and unconditional love to each one of us. He instilled in us the importance of being the best you can be in all you do, whether in work, play or service to others. We learned the lesson of being accountable for our own actions, to take responsibility and not blame others for our poor choices.

Stan loved spending time with his fellow “Old Goats” on Thursday mornings at Royal Café; he loved sending cards of encouragement to people; he spent 1000’s of hours in prayer for each family member, for each widow in his church, for our country and its leaders, police officers, servicemen and many others. He used his natural artistic talent, honed by study at the Art Institute of Chicago, as a commercial artist for numerous papers, including Palm Beach Post Times, and after retirement, continued to use his skills drawing cards for special loved ones. He also enjoyed wood carving, and his family’s homes are adorned with many award-winning examples.

No one had to guess at Stan’s family heritage. The walls of his den were adorned with Scottish memorabilia, and he never missed a chance to don his kilt and play his bagpipes. His 90th and 95th birthdays were marked by performances by local pipe and drum corps in full dress, and a lone piper will render final honors in accordance with his wishes.

Stan will be missed by everyone who knew him but none more than his family, both those born to him and those received through Christ. He was a man of great integrity, a man who loved loud and always looked for ways to bless others. He generously shared the many gifts that made him so special, but if you asked him about his legacy, he’d say true faith means trying to give everyone your best, yet recognizing the best we can give is not of us. We make our greatest impact on others by living a life that points others to Him.

A small service was held for the family at Aycock Funeral Home on Saturday, January 23rd. In Stan’s memory donations can be made to Beacon Baptist Church 11616 W Indiantown Rd., Jupiter Florida 33478