Raye D Johnston

A Funeral Service for Raye Johnston will be held on Monday, November 18, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at the Loomis Evangelical Free Church in Loomis, Nebraska with Pastor Mark Hayward officiating. Interment will follow at the Prairie Home Cemetery, Holdrege, Nebraska

Raye Dewayne Johnston, 82 years of age, of Loomis, passed away on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at his home, surrounded by his family. Raye and his twin sister, Faye, were born on December 17, 1941, in Holdrege, Raye being the youngest of the six children, born to Fred and Nona (Gentry) Johnston. He was raised in Phelps County and received his education and graduated from Loomis Public School, with the class of 1959.

Raye wore many hats throughout his working years, including working at JM McDonald Clothing Store in Holdrege, operating the drive-inn movie theatre in Holdrege, worked as a cook at Town Mart in Loomis, and his favorite past-time,  filling in as Santa for many years.  The family also owned and operated the Ranch House Cafe in Loomis.

Following his education, Raye began a career in sales with Morton Buildings, Columbia Windows, Kanal Windows, and Heartland Windows.  In retirement, he worked as an Assistant Activities Director, where he was known as the "Ice Cream Guy" and hosted "Raye, Raye Popcorn Day".  He retired on his 80th Birthday, with many wonderful memories.

On November 11, 1962, Raye was united in marriage to Betty Bee Boyd at the First Christian Church in Minden, Nebraska.  The couple was blessed with two daughters:  Kimberly and Janet.  The family made their home in Holdrege, Atlanta, Columbus, Minden, and then settled in Loomis.

Raye loved coyote hunting, and was instrumental in the creation of Loomis Trading Days, the largest Dog Races in the Midwest, and the Hound and Hunter Publication.   He also enjoyed playing Skat and supporting his daughter's activities and then his grandchildren's activities.

He was a member and Exalted Ruler of BPOE ELKS of Holdrege and enjoyed his time with the McDonald's coffee club.

Raye was preceded in death by his wife, Betty B. Johnston in 2023; his parents; and all of his siblings:  Neil, Lyle, Lois, Jean, and Faye.

Raye is survived by his daughters, Kim Hemmele and husband, Tony of Loomis; and Janet Johnston of Salina, Kansas; three grandchildren:  Hannah (Evan Welch) Hemmele of Holdrege; Brian (Paola Alvarado) Hemmele of Holdrege; and Sarah Fiejen and husband, Casper of Lincoln, Nebraska; along with many extended family members, nieces and nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Raye was known by many as Uncle Raye, Grandpa Raye, and to one, as Bob!

A visitation will be held on Sunday, November 17, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Nelson Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege, with the family greeting from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Memorials in Raye's honor are suggested to the family for a later designation.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.