David Mark Johnston

David Mark Johnston, age 69, of Colbert, Georgia died on Wednesday, November 18, 2015 at his home. Memorial services will be held at 11 AM Saturday, November 21 at Life Church in Athens, Georgia with visitation one hour prior to services at the church. Interment will be at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, Georgia. Lord and Stephens East in Athens, Georgia is in charge of arrangements.
David was born in September 1946 in Orange City, Iowa to Vernon and Kathleen Johnston. He married Angel McCoy in February 1977 and lived in Jewell, Iowa before relocating to Colbert, Georgia in 2003 to enjoy a milder climate. He served in the 5th Army Band from 1966-1969. Following his time in the Army, David continued playing the saxophone and clarinet throughout his life and met with the 5th Army Band reunion to play for the veterans.
He graduated from Iowa State University in 1977 with degrees in Botany and Horticulture. Following graduation he served as the director of the ISU Botany and Plant Pathology Research and Teaching greenhouses for several years. He was later employed by Frigidaire in Webster City, Iowa but his passion was orchids and David started a business Jewell Orchids. Through the business David was able to travel extensively and see orchids in their natural habitat. David was a member of the Central Iowa Orchid Society for almost 30 years and spent many of those years as president, vice president and in other elected offices. After moving to Georgia, David was also actively involved in the Northeast Georgia Orchid Society and the Atlanta Orchid Society. He enjoyed educating orchid growers and speaking at societies around the country. In addition to the love of music and orchids, David enjoyed serving his community as a volunteer firefighter and EMT in Jewell, Iowa for 18 years.
David was a faithful follower of Jesus Christ and was a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather. He deeply loved his family and will be greatly missed.
David is survived by his wife, Angel and two daughters, Leah (Brian) Weil of Milton, Georgia and Marcella Johnston of Nashville, Tennessee; three grand-daughters Gracielle, Evelyne and Elise Weil; brothers, Stephen Johnston (Mary Jane) of Plano, Texas, Doug Johnston (Barb) of Jewell, Iowa, Charles Johnston (Kris) of Scappoose, Oregon; and sister, Rachel Summy (Marty) of Crescent, Iowa. David was preceded in death by his brother Daniel (Brenda) and parents.