Roger Elwyn Johnston

April 5, 1947- June 8, 2026

    Roger Elwyn Johnston, age 79, passed away peacefully on June 8, 2026.
 Roger was born on April 5, 1947, in Eugene, Oregon, to Beulah Applegate Johnston and Gerald Johnston. He spent his early years in Oregon and graduated from Yoncalla High School in 1965. During high school, he excelled in football, earning All-League honors and the distinction of playing in the East-West Shrine Game. After graduation, he attended Umpqua Community College before returning home to farming.
On October 10, 1968, Roger married Kay Patterson. Together they built a family and raised three daughters: Twila, Traci, and Tanya. The family made their home in Yoncalla, Oregon, where Roger farmed and grew green beans for the local cannery, providing summer jobs for local kids as bean pickers. He also operated a beloved U-Pick produce garden where neighbors and friends could purchase everything from tomatoes and sweet corn to pumpkins. Roger enjoyed the connections he made through farming and took pride in helping feed and support his community.
Roger was active in the Yoncalla Church of Christ where he served as trustee and Sunday school superintendent.
When the cannery closed in 1981, Roger made the difficult decision to move his family to Texas in search of new opportunities. He first worked at Acme Lumber before partnering with his brother-in-law, Sammy Shearrer, to run S&S Construction. The two later opened and operated Taco Patio, a family restaurant known for its authentic Mexican food and fresh-made tortillas. Roger eventually built a career with Cavender Toyota, where he worked faithfully until his retirement.
Although Roger and Kay divorced in 1991, their bond as family never faded. They remained close friends and continued to support one another throughout the years. Following retirement, Roger lived in Mansfield, Texas, and later in Lockhart, Texas. In their later years, both Roger and Kay spent time living with their daughters—first with Traci and later with Tanya—before eventually moving into care facilities.
Roger was a hardworking man who valued family, perseverance, and loyalty above all else. He was known for his quiet strength, his willingness to lend a hand, and his ability to adapt to life’s changing seasons. Whether farming the fields of Oregon, working in construction, running a restaurant in Texas, or simply spending time with those he loved, Roger approached life with determination, humility, and a generous spirit.
Roger was preceded in death by his former wife and lifelong friend, Kay Johnston, who passed away on March 14, 2026; his beloved daughter, Traci Soto (Oscar), who passed away on August 11, 2013; and his brother, Orrin Johnston, who passed away on April 1, 2011.

He is survived by his brother, Everett Johnston; his sisters, Juanita Baggett and Lynette Van Dorn; his daughters, Twila McDonald (Tommy) and Tanya Winn (Dwayne); his grandchildren, Zack, Nicolas, Kaleigh, Payton, and Alison; and his two great-granddaughters, Santana and Olivia. He also leaves behind many extended family members and friends who will cherish the memories they shared with him.
He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved him.
A family memorial service will be held in August.