Thomas Geno Johnston, age 97, passed away on September 11, 2022, at St. Mary's Hospital in Russellville. He was born June 18, 1925, in Oak Grove, Russellville to the late Hester Lee and LuSindia Jane Ennis Johnston.

Geno was a long-time Free Will Baptist minister and served at many churches, including Hickory Grove FWB, where he and his wife were members. He pastored at least 8 churches throughout his ministry and was the founding pastor at Smith Springs FWB. He served as a pastor at Holman FWB until he was 93 years old. He served in the U. S. Navy from 1944 to 1946 and was stationed on the USS Denver during WWII.

He was a member of the Masonic Lodge.

You could not meet or talk to Geno without him telling you that he loved you, and he meant it. He could often be found studying his Bible, spending time with his family, out riding in the car or on his 4-wheeler, working in his garden, or watching the Razorbacks play.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 72 years, Cecelia; two brothers; a son-in-law; and two great-grandchildren.

Survivors include five children, Kathleen Coffman of Dover, Dennis Johnston (Susie) of Maumelle, Darlene Johnston of Russellville, Denise Johnston of Dover, and Katrina Vigil (Chris) of Ozark; eight grandchildren, Keith Carpenter of Denver, Colorado, Shawna Coffman of Russellville, Lee Johnston (Audrie) of Little Rock, Lance Johnston (Kirsten) of Little Rock, Hailey Canada (Sam) of Greenbrier, Madison Vigil of Fayetteville, Luke Vigil of Russellville, and Nicole Vigil of Ozark; 12 great-grandchildren; and many close nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m., on Wednesday evening at the funeral home.

The funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m., on Thursday, September 15, 2022, at St. Joe Free Will Baptist Church with Rev. Clark Snow and Rev. Derek Stinnett officiating.

Burial will be in St. Joe Cemetery and under the direction of Shinn Funeral Service of Russellville.

Pallbearers will be Keith Carpenter, Lee Johnston, Lance Johnston, Luke Vigil, Sam Canada, and Chad Johnston.

Online guestbook and condolences available at www.shinnfuneral.com.