Samuel Iredell Johnston, M.D.

Samuel Johnston, age 89, of Izoro, passed away Monday, February 5, 2018. Sam was born on October 22, 1928 in Lubbock, Texas to the late Robert and Annie Eileen Johnston. He grew up and attended school in Bovina, where he dreamed of one day becoming a doctor or rancher. After high school and attending Texas Tech University, Sam graduated from the University of Texas Medical School in Galveston in 1954 with his M.D. In 1963, Sam established his medical practice in Salinas, as a General Surgeon and Proctologist. Sam and his wife, Sandra, raised their family of four boys, while he went on to practice in Salinas, CA for 45 years. Retiring in 1994, he followed his other dream….ranching. Sam and his wife, Karen, moved to Central Texas in 1995, following his dream as a rancher. With the assistance of his son, Brent, and nephew, Scott Rector, he built fences, cleared pastures, and raised cattle up until the recent months. In Texas, he enjoyed the country life and his many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Mary Will Rector of Abilene; brothers, Mike and Bob Johnston; and a son, Dyke. Samuel is survived by his wife, Karen Johnston; sons, Zande Johnston and wife, Molly of Rescue, CA, Kirk Johnston and wife, Linda of Salinas, CA, and Brent Johnston and wife, Janet of Copperas Cove; grandchildren, Sam, Annie, Kittra, Amy, Justin, and Kristen; 12 great-grandchildren; sister, Nancy Shelly of Hobbs, NM; brother, Dan Johnston of Lubbock, TX; and many nieces and nephews, a special thanks to Scott Rector for all his help on the ranch. Sam was a hardworking, honest, compassionate man who set a great example for us all. Dr. Johnston will be remembered for providing medical services for migrant farm workers who could only pay him with a box of vegetables. Sam was also passionate about his 60 plus trees that he, himself planted on his ranch. “Happy Trails to Sam”.