David Allen Johnston

David Allen Johnston, 73, of Mineral Wells, WV passed away peacefully surrounded by family on April 29, 2025 at Camden Clark Hospital in Parkersburg, WV after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

He was born November 7, 1951 on Horse Fork in Kanawha County, WV to the late Edward William Johnston and Elsie Stockwell Johnston.

Throughout his life, Dave was a huge science fiction fan and read voraciously in his teenage and young adult years. Later sci-fi movies made him a fan of Star Wars and Star Trek, along with similar sci-fi adventures. He was also a connoisseur of graphic T-shirts that made him smile and you question his taste.

He graduated from West Virginia Institute of Technology as a mechanical engineer and was employed as a civilian employee for the US Department of Defense at Naval Station Norfolk. With a top secret clearance he proudly serviced submarines for over 30 years.

Dave is survived by his loving wife Carletta. The couple recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son, Chris Johnston and wife Anne of Ashburn, VA, and daughter, Cindy Espana of Chesapeake, Virginia along with four grandchildren; Lily and Lucy Espana, and Sam and Sarah Johnston.

He is also survived by his sister, Betty Kaiser of Charleston; his sister-in-law Jean Johnston of Quick; his mother-in-law, Mae Rose of Leroy; and his brother-in-law Homer Bonnett and wife Karen of Beckley. Dave and Homer developed a close and meaningful bond, one that grew even stronger as they faced Dave’s cancer journey together.

He also leaves behind a big loving group of nieces and nephews who will always carry warm memories of their Uncle Dave in their hearts.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four brothers and three sisters, Delmos, Irene, Gladys, Paul, Jean, Eddie, and Gary.

Per Dave’s wishes, he will be cremated. A Celebration of Life will be held at 12:30 PM on May 10, 2025, at Lambert-Tatman Funeral Home, Southside Parkersburg, with Rev. Derek Bonnett officiating.The family will receive visitors one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Lambert-Tatman Funeral Home has been entrusted with Dave’s final wishes. The family wishes to thank them for their dedicated service.