Harold Wayne Johnston, Sr., 81 of Hannibal, MO, formerly of Arapaho, OK, passed away at 11:46 PM on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at the Maple Lawn Nursing Home in Palmyra, MO.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Thursday, October 30, 2025, at the James O’Donnell Funeral Home in Hannibal, MO. Burial will be at Godfrey Cemetery in Hunnewell, MO. Rev. Jamey Dyke will officiate.
Friends and Family are invited to Harold’s Life Celebration at a visitation that will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM Wednesday October 29, 2025, at the funeral home.
Harold was born on April 25, 1944, in Hannibal, MO to Harold Leroy Johnston and Margaret Fern Mefford.
He joined the United States Army in 1964 and served in Germany. He received an honorable discharge and shared lots of stories of service life with his family.
Harold was married to the love of his life and spent many decades building memories with Shirley Ann Orgain Blackketter. They were married on May 22, 1986, in Red River, New Mexico. Shirley preceded him in death on October 9, 2017.
Harold spent over 40 years as a dedicated truck driver, traveling countless miles across the country. He ended his career as Owner/ Operator of S&H Trucking in Arapaho, OK.
He was a Baptist by faith and as a Freemason, he found joy in service, friendship and pursuit of moral and personal growth.
Survivors include his sister, Carol E. Smith of Hannibal, MO; four sons: Darrell Stovall of Quincy, IL, Harold W. Johnston, Jr of Hannibal, MO, Chris Blackketter (Patsy) of Strong City, OK and Levi Blackketter of Strong City, OK; two daughters: Carol Renee Nichelson (Bo) of Hannibal, MO, Sherry Ann Bieberich (Adam) of Clinton, OK; three grandsons: Cody W. Johnston of Hannibal, MO, Gavin Stovall of Fort Bliss, TX and Kadin Bieberich (Madison) of Weatherford, OK; ten granddaughters: Ashley Whitley (Bobby) of Hannibal, MO, Kendall Jacobson (Billy) of Hannibal, MO, Kelsey Nichelson of Lake St. Louis, MO, Cara Eaton (Doug) of Clinton, OK, Brandi Mitchell (Kevin) of Balko, OK, Cami York (Tracey) of Durham, OK, Mandy Norvell (Levi) of Bowling Green, MO, Breyanna Ellis (Justin) of Perry, MO, Matera Ellis of Perry, MO and Kirstyn Turnbow (Charles) of Kansas City, MO; 23 great grandchildren; two honorary sons that Harold helped raise; Jeremiah and Jase; two half-brothers, Mike Johnston and Eric Johnston; and numerous extended family that Harold loved dearly.
Harold was preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Tammy Wilcox; three brothers: Gary Johnston, Ronald Johnston and Butch Tapley; three sisters: Margaret Nunn, Betty Sue Charlton and Geneva Nichelson.
Harold loved his work as a trucker, when he was not on the road driving, he was making sure his truck and equipment were always top notch and ready to go. Away from work he enjoyed a variety of old westerns on TV, ranging from Gunsmoke to Wagon Train. Mushroom hunting, visits to Red River, New Mexico and eating at the Maid Rite in Quincy, IL were a few of his favorites. Most of all, Harold cherished his family and he looked forward to the times they could share.
Memorial contributions may be made to the donor’s choice.
Online condolences may be made and video tribute maybe viewed at www. jamesodonnellfuneralhome. com.