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Maurice F. Johnston Obituary
Maurice F. “Moe” Johnston, 91, passed away November 29, 2020.
He was born June 4, 1929 in Hagerstown, Maryland, the son of the Maurice S. and Mary I. Johnston. He was an enthusiastic participant and lifelong supporter of the Boy Scouts, achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. Maurice graduated from Hagerstown High School, Class of 1947, where he lettered in basketball. He graduated from New York State Agricultural and Technical College in Alfred, New York in 1949. Maurice married the love of his life, Louise Elaine Warner, on October 8, 1950, and they were married for nearly 60 years. He served in the United States Marine Corps from 1951 to 1953 during the Korean War.
Maurice was a member of Otterbein United Methodist Church for almost 80 years.
After serving his country, Maurice began his professional career with M. S. Johnston Company, Inc., a refrigeration and air conditioning company started by his father in the 1934. He served in various capacities over 60 years in the organization as service technician, sales, administration, and president.
Maurice was passionate about service to the community as a member of many local organizations. He was a member in the Suburban and Downtown Kiwanis Clubs of Hagerstown for over 50 years. Maurice was a member of the Masonic Friendship Lodge #84, Tall Cedars of Lebanon, Ali Ghan Shrine and other affiliated Masonic Chapters for over 60 years. He held membership in the BPOE Elks Lodge #378, Hagerstown AMVETS, and Morris Frock American Legion Post #42. Maurice belonged to the American Society of Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning Engineers, Associated Builders and Contractors, and other professional organizations.
Ask anyone who knew him, and you would hear the same thing: Maurice Johnston was one of the kindest and most giving people you would ever meet. If there was a need in the community or in his church, he did not hesitate to help. He gave generously each year in recurring annual donations to multiple organizations, plus major gifts of funds and in-kind donations for big projects. He had been doing this in Washington County for most of his life, so his total lifetime giving resulted in immeasurable impact.
Most of Maurice’s giving was behind the scenes, so if you did not work at a charitable organization you may never have even heard of him, despite his amazing generosity. When Maurice gave, he did so in many ways including through the God’s Grace Fund, a fund created through the Community Foundation of Washington County for the purpose of giving generously with all the credit going to God. “Maurice was one of the saints of the church,” declared Cindy Brown with Otterbein United Methodist Church, and shared that he was one of the kindest people she had known. Kathy Powderly, former executive director of Hagerstown Area Religious Council, said that “Maurice was one of the saints of Washington County.”
Maurice’s giving was motivated by a strong faith, a sensitivity to the needs of the community, and a desire to help people. The list of local non-profits he supported included the Humane Society of Washington County, United Way, REACH, Habitat for Humanity, Girls Inc, Mason Dixon Boy Scouts, Hagerstown Area Religious Council (HARC), Otterbein Church, Robert W. Johnson Community Center, Cedar Ridge Ministries, Community Free Clinic, Community Action Council, The Maryland Theatre, Boys and Girls Club, Maryland Food Bank, Washington County Commission on Aging, YMCA, Doey’s House, Brooke’s House, Hope Center, and the ARC of Washington County.
Maurice was preceded in death by his wife, Louise, in 2009. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Beth Johnston; his daughter and son-in-law, Carolyn and Vernon Crampton; and two grandsons, Benjamin Crampton and Peter Crampton.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff of Coffman Nursing Home for their compassionate care of Maurice in his later years.
A private graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family with the Reverend Elizabeth Jackson officiating.
Memorial donations may be made to Otterbein United Methodist Church, 108 E. Franklin Street, Hagerstown, MD, 21740; Mason-Dixon Council-Boy Scouts of America, 18600 Crestwood Drive, Hagerstown, MD, 21742; or to a charity of choice.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Douglas A. Fiery Funeral Home, 1331 Eastern Blvd. North, Hagerstown, MD.
Online condolences may be expressed at
www.douglasfiery.com
