Harlen H. Johnston, of Tipton, died early Friday morning, November 1, 2024, one day shy of attaining the milestone age of 100. (The argument could be made that he was 100, due to this year being a leap year.) He was born November 2, 1924, in Lyons, Ohio, one of eleven children of Virgie and Tressie (Dinius) Johnston.
Harlen leaves behind his wife of 27 years, Judith; children, Timothy (Barbara) Johnston, Kathleen (Gwyn) McNeil, David (Anna) Johnston, Dennis Johnston, Mark (Denise) Johnston; brother, Russell (Joan) Johnston; daughter-in-law, Laura Johnston; sister-in-law, Hariett Johnston; his blended family of Debbie Lindner, Mike (Gladys) Denny, Jeff Denney, Scott (Sharon) Denney, Russell (Koren) Denney, and Judy (Tom) Fuschini. He also leaves a legacy for his 32 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, and seven great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Mary Elizabeth (Cunningham) Johnston; son, Terry Johnston; and nine of his siblings.
Harlen was a hard working man, working at Tecumseh Products for 42 years along with farming his entire life. He worked with children in 4H for many years and also judged animals at the Lenawee County Fair. He attended the Church of God in Adrian as well as the Lacooche Church of God in Florida.
Harlen was a life member of the North Adrian Grange. He loved fishing, hunting, tractor pulls and combine demolitions. Harlen loved his family, and will be greatly missed.
The family will receive friends for visitation at the Anderson-Marry Funeral Home, Adrian, on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. until the funeral service begins at 1:00 p.m. Pastor Darrell Hyder will officiate. Burial will follow at North Adrian Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of Lenawee or to a charity of the donor’s choice. Friends can express sympathies to the family online by visiting the tribute wall at www.andersonfuneralservices.com. Arrangements have been made with the guidance of the Anderson-Marry Funeral Home, Adrian.