Thomas David Johnston

Thomas David Johnston, 85, passed away peacefully at Spirit Mountain Hospice Center in Cody, Wyoming, on January 25, 2025.

He was born on July 30, 1939, in Orofino, Idaho, to William Charles and Victoria Ilene (Parsons) Johnston. Thomas was the youngest of four children. As a young man, he helped his father run a grocery store before working for the U.S. Forest Service. He later attended mechanic school in St. Maries, Idaho. During this time, Thomas was drafted and proudly served as a mechanic in Germany with the United States Army.

After his service, he worked for Georgia-Pacific plywood mills. Then Thomas moved to Casper, Wyoming, where he met Elizabeth “Betsy” Strauch; they married August 16, 1975. Thomas pursued his thirty-year career as a Union Ironworker, going through his apprenticeship training, then testing and receiving his Journeyman Ironworkers Book, working in Wyoming, Oregon, Washington and California. They lived in Casper for five years before relocating to Hermiston, Oregon, spending twenty-two years building their lives. Upon retiring, Thomas and Betsy returned to Worland to be closer to their children and Betsy’s family.

In his later years, Thomas found joy in raising horses, making many horse halters, collecting coins, collecting his favorite variety of guns and traveling to Spokane to visit family. Above all, he was known for his great sense of humor.

Thomas was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, George Albright and Bill Johnston; his sister, Betty Jo Rettinger; and his nephews, Mark Johnston and Michael Rettinger.

He is survived by his loving wife, Betsy of 49 years; daughters Kimberly (Bob) Johnsey of Worland and Cynthia Szabo of Greeley, Colorado; niece, Victoria (Heath) Walker of Salem, Oregon; grandchildren: Shelsi Pyer of Katy, Texas; Stephen (Shawn) Pyer of Rock Springs, Wyoming; Shannan (Austin) Richardson of Pavillion, Wyoming; and Jasmine Szabo (Fabian); and great-grandchildren: Jaxson Lester, Jerzee Pyer, Axton Pyer, Rip Richardson, and Rein Richardson.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, February 7, 2025, with Frank Ley officiating. Military honors will be provided by the United States Army, American Legion Post 44, and the Patriot Guard Riders. Memorial donations may be made to the Spirit Mountain Hospice Center. Please send checks to PO Box 524, Worland, Wyoming 82401. Online condolences may be made at http://www.bryantfuneralhomeonline.com.