THE FLAGLER TRIBUNE
Bunnell, Florida
Thursday, September 1, 1966

 

Ernest Walton Johnston Sr., a Flagler County pioneer, passed away last Friday afternoon at the Bunnell General Hospital following a long illness. He was 82 years of age.

Mr. Johnston, who lived at 307 East Moody Boulevard, was Flagler County's first elected sheriff, serving in that post for eight years. He then served as Game Commissioner for five years. He was again elected sheriff in 1941 and was appointed in 1945 as County Judge. He served in that capacity until his retirement in 1956.

He was born in Cartersville, in St. Johns County and moved to Bunnell with his parents at the age of 10. He was the son of the late John Baggs and Mary Ketus Johnston.

He was a member of the First Methodist Church of Bunnell; Past Master of the Bunnell Masonic Lodge No. 200, charter member of the Bunnell Eastern Star Chapter, and a 50 year member of the Woodmen of the World.

Funeral services were held from the First Methodist Church at 2:30 Sunday afternoon with the pastor, Rev. Oliver, F. Taylor officiating. Interment followed at Espanola Cemetery with the Masonic Lodge burial ceremony.

Survivors include a daughter, Mrs. Margaret Cook, St. Augustine and Bunnell; 4 sons, A. B. Johnston, Walton Johnston, Carlton Johnston and Daniel Johnston all of Bunnell; 4 sisters, Mrs. Mollie Spencer, Orlando, Mrs. Kate Bankston, Mrs. Mattie Pellicer and Mrs. Lettie Copeland, all of Bunnell.

Active pallbearers were Walt Pellicer, Clyde Lewis, George M. Moody, O. D. Robinson, John Rice and Gib Anderson.

Honorary Pallbearers were R. W. Cody, Jim Bray, Omega Durrance, Thomas Bertha Sr., T. E. Holden, M. B. Fuller, John McIntosh, F. L. Malphurs. P. P. Pellicer, O. F. Alford, J. H. McKnight, George Moody, John Durrance, Henry Salyerds and T. K. McKnight.

Craig Funeral Home of Bunnell was in charge of arrangements.