Loyd M. Johnston

Loyd M. Johnston, 87, of the Highfill community, died Thursday, Aug. 2, 2012, at Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville. He was born Dec. 17, 1924, in Winfrey Valley, to George and Bonnie Meadors Johnston. Loyd pastored the Moseley Regular United Baptist Church in Moseley, Okla., for 51 years. He also worked as a foreman on pullet crews for Hudson Farms. He farmed throughout his life and was known as the "Watermelon King," and loved time in the outdoors, hunting and fishing. He was preceded in death by three brothers and a sister. He is survived by his wife, Geneveve (Johnson) Johnston, whom he married Sept. 10, 1944, in Sonora; two children, Joyce Insco and husband, Keith, of Moseley, Dale Johnston and wife, Darlene, of Springdale; a sister, Evelyn Collins of Springdale; six grandchildren, Karla Jech, Katina Fredrick, Kammi Funk, Kevin Johnston, Luke Johnston, Nicholas Pianalto; and five great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 6, at Mosley Regular United Baptist Church. Interment will be at Hickory Creek Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at Heritage Funeral Home in Springdale; online guest book at www.heritageofnwa.com.