Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

You are a true hero sir. Thank you for your courage and dedication. Nobody can take away the kind of man you are. I pray for your family because after all these years I know it still hurts. Rest in peace. You will never be forgotten

Jerry
Fellow citizen

October 18, 2023

I remember Uncle Clayton as handsome, strict, and very kind. I know all of his family miss him. One Thanksgiving we ate at his house. He made the best dressing.

DEBORAH J MORRIS
neice

December 15, 2016

I witnessed Officer Johnston being put in the ambulance to be transported to Helena. I was there when the migrant worker died from Officer Johnstons' sure aim, though he was shot straight in the chest. I saw it all, and remember like it was yesterday, although I'm 67 yrs old.

Sgt. (retired) Charles Thieme
Retired Army

March 1, 2015

I am his daughter. It has been 48 years since that terrible night. I often think of the things he missed, like knowing his grandchildren.

Glenda Johnston McMillian
daughter

January 18, 2014

I still think about my Father and Elaine all the time. I am 55 years old know and was the youngest son of Clayton Johnston.
I will see my father again one day. I all so have many memories

Dan Johnston
Son

December 14, 2012

I was in Elaine that night with family and friends and very much remember this . Myself(JAMES NEWELL) and THURMAN BLANTON saw and ducked from the sound of the shots fired. Remember very well,always bothered me here He served our Country and then this had to happen. I,, (now being a Vietnam Veteran) had of course ,never seen anyone shot before......Many Memories.

james newell SPC. 4
Resident of Elaine---Friends

December 1, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 46th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mom of fallen officer Larry Lasater

October 18, 2011

I am a granddaughter that he never got to know. I love to read the sweet words written about him. One day I will see you in Heaven. Love you.

Anonymous

August 14, 2010

RIP.You will never be forgotten.

Anonymous

September 19, 2008

Rest in Peace, Marshal Johnston. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

June 14, 2008

OFFICER JOHNSTON, YOU HAVE SERVED YOUR COUNTRY AND DEPARTMENT WELL. MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE. A HERO FOR SURE. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE. MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS THOSE WHO LOVE AND MISS YOU TODAY.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.

November 6, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your police and military service

vandenberghe
nh

October 16, 2007

"The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

August 6, 2007

Marshal Johnston,
On today, the 41st anniversary of your murder, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your community, but also for your service to our Country when you served in the U.S. Army.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous

October 18, 2006

I never got to know this cousin...but am sure by all the accounts I hear he was a very dedicated man. Sounds as tho his wife and children really adored him. The fact that he gave his life protecting others is to be honored.
I have a brother who served the Illinois State Police, so I am very conscious of how those that serve us in the work of policemen put their lives on the line every time they go on duty. Scripture tells us to pray for our men serving us and I do. So glad his family has such good memories of this man of honor. May God Bless each of them as they thank the Lord for a good husband and father.

Janet Bagwell
Cousin

April 25, 2006

This man was dearly loved by not only his large extended family but by many friends. He was so like his brothers in the fact that he was fun loving and very giving. He loved helping others. He loved his family. He also had a big hug for me and made me feel special. I miss him and wonder what the world would have been like had he lived. I love you Uncle Clayton.

Deborah E.Johnston Morris
Neice

April 18, 2006

My children and myself lost a wonderful husband and father on October the 18 th 1965. He lost his life while protecting his beloved hometown of Elaine, Arkansas. He came back home after spending 20 years in the Arm, fighting in WW11 and retiring in 1963.
Glenda Faye, his daughter was 17 years of age, James Albert 15, Perry Louis 9, and Dan Howard 8. This was before there was any such thing as grief councilors, we had to make it the best that we could. I am thankful for the 19 years we had together. He is gone but not forgotten. His wife, Wilda Imogene Johnston Teter. April 12, 2006

April 12, 2006

I remember my Father as being a strict but fair person. I often wonder what my life would be like, if he could have seen me through to my adult years.

Perry L. Johnston
none

April 12, 2006

OFFICER YOUR NOT FORGOTTEN.

GILBERT DANIEL

April 5, 2006