Austin Drew Johnston

Austin Drew Johnston, 91, of Canonsburg, died Saturday, January 16, 2021 in Canonsburg Hospital.

He was born March 12, 1929 in Washington, a son of Austin O. and Georgetta Hilton Johnston.

As a young man, he owned and trained horses for local farmers.  He continued his love of horses throughout his life.

Mr. Johnston served his country with the US Navy from December 1951 until October of 1954.

In the 1950’s he was president of the Canonsburg CB club.  His handle was “Big H”.

Drew worked for St. Clair Hospital before accepting a position of craneman for Jessop Steel in 1965 until his retirement in 1993.  Mr. Johnston was the last survivor of the original Chartiers Township Police Department that was formed in 1971.

In 1952, Drew married Patricia Szeslinski who died in 1994.

On January 1, 2000, he married Barbara Collins who survives.

Surviving in addition to his wife, are a daughter, Robin Mozley (Christopher) of Jeanette; three grandchildren, Christopher Mozley (Lily), Lindsey and Brandon Mozley; two stepsons, Mark Ruschell (Lisa) of Washington and Joseph Ruschell (Ronda) of Houston; four step grandchildren, Marissa Bolinger and Luke, Jake and Lexie Ruschell; a foster sister, Margaret “Peggy” Miller of Washington; four great grandchildren; five step great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Deceased are a brother, Donald L. Johnston; and a stepdaughter, Melodie Bollinger.

Due to present circumstances, visitation and services will be private, with burial in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies at a time to be determined.

Arrangements entrusted to the McIlvaine-Speakman Funeral Home Ltd., Robert K. McIlvaine, Owner/Supervisor, 27 Cherry Ave., Houston, PA 15342.

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