Final Salute

Keith Curtis Johnston, 79, of Kewanee, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, September 6, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born June 9, 1947, in Marinette/Peshtigo, Wisconsin, the son of Donald and Frances (Wasner) Johnston. He married Sharon Eileen Grimes on April 3, 1971, in Kewanee.

Survivors include his wife, Sharon, of Kewanee; two children, Yanna Johnston and Duane (Lisa) Johnston, both of Kewanee; one sister, Barb (Kip) Speer of Kewanee; six grandchildren, Patrick (Alissa) McMeekan, Preston (Richard) Bustillos, Payton (Gabrielle) McMeekan, Blake Johnston, Tyler Johnston, and Hunter Johnston; and four great-grandchildren, Daphne, Emery, Lucas, and Josiah. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, Carrie (Todd) Winter, Chad (Wendy) Hodge, Garth Grimes, Chandra Dowda, Stephanie Aguilar, Ray (Katy) Grimes, David (Laura) Grimes, Tiffany (Joe) Chavez, Lisa (Mark) Friedrich, Alan (Carey) Homer, Shelley (Bruce) Kinzer, Jen (Gene) Peed.

He was preceded in death by his parents Donald and Frances (Wasner) Johnston; his paternal grandparents, John and Mayme (Laisure) Johnston; his maternal grandparents, Peter and Wilhelmina (DeKok) Wasner; and brother-in-law, Dennis Hodge.

Keith graduated from Kewanee High School in 1966 and later attended Black Hawk College–East Campus. He served his country in the United States Navy as a member of the Naval Construction Battalions, better known as the Navy Seabees. A decorated combat veteran, he received a Presidential Unit Citation from President Lyndon B. Johnson for extraordinary heroism in action against the North Vietnamese Army forces during the Battle of Khe Sanh in the Republic of Vietnam.

Keith was employed for 22 years, retiring as a lieutenant with the Illinois Department of Corrections in 2001.

He had a great sense of humor and loved making everyone laugh. He enjoyed the outdoors, whether ranching with Toys the cow, Billy the goat and Spunky the mule, traveling in his motorhome, riding motorcycles, or watching his grandchildren’s sporting events. Above all, Keith loved his family and cherished every moment spent with them.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Friday, September 11, at First Christian Church in Kewanee, with Gary Krahn officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at 2:00 p.m. at the church. Military rites will be accorded by the Kewanee Veterans Council following the service.

Memorials may be directed to the Kewanee Schools Foundation. Rux Funeral Home in Kewanee is assisting the family with arrangements.

Memorial tributes and flowers may be ordered through and private condolences may be left at www.ruxfuneralhome.com.