Joseph “Evan” Johnston, 53, of Deer Lodge passed away on Sunday, September 12, 2021. Evan was born on August 11, 1968 in Deer Lodge to Joe and Judy Johnston.
Evan was a standout three sport athlete for Powell County High School (Class of 1987). He received many awards and achievements, including a track scholarship to Jamestown College, where he met the love of his life, Dana. They were married August 26, 1989, in Bridger Montana. In 1991, he came back to the family ranch where he worked with his great-uncle, Robert Evans and his father Joe. Shortly after they were greeted with two lovely children, Kylie Nicole and Ethan Joseph.
Evan was an exceptional rancher, farmer, and man of authentic character, who would always lend a helping hand to a neighbor. He was very proud to say that the 2 Bar Ranch was one of the first thousand members of the American Simmental Association, and worked to consistently improve the genetics of his herd through AI and bulls that he raised. He improved the working efficiency of the ranch, by improving irrigation, updating buildings and cattle facilities, and many other aspects of the 2 Bar Ranch.
Evan enjoyed working cows, and traveling to team roping’s alongside his family. He also enjoyed starting colts, riding through pairs in the high country, traveling to horse sales, and the occasional fishing trip.
He was a civic minded man who was on numerous committees which included: Rocky Mountain Stockgrowers Association, 4H Market Committee, Powell County High School Board, St. John Lutheran Church Council, and volunteer fireman with the Race Track Fire Department.
He was preceded in death by his father, Joe, his great-uncle Robert, and father-in-law Don Goodman.
He is survived by his mother Judy, wife, Dana of 32 years, daughter Kylie (Tayber) Goff; son Ethan (Marlee) Johnston; sisters Kari (Allan) Labbe; Janet (Ed) Janney; Elaine (Mark) Taylor. Evan is also survived by mother-in-law Gloria Goodman, sister-in-law Dawn (Chris) Hagan, brother-in-law Donald Goodman Jr. and numerous nieces, nephews and very close family friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a committee or foundation of your choice.
A memorial service celebrating Evan’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September, 25, 2021, at 45 Barn, 50 Highway 12, East, Garrison, MT 59731. A reception to follow. As per Evan’s request please refrain from wearing black.
Please visit below to offer a condolence or share a memory of Evan.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Evan and his family.
Randy and Mo Mannix says
Heartfelt condolences to Evan’s loving family. Randy had a good visit with Evan a couple years ago when they were both stocking up on some treats for the rest of the drive to their respective ranches! We always enjoyed sharing in the fun of sporting events and watching the kids compete and visiting during the TriCounty fair. What an honor it was to serve with Evan on the PCHS Board of Trustees. We were blessed to know Evan and are so very sorry for the suffering he endured and now for the grief you all are experiencing. Peace be with the Johnston family.
Sandy Hanson says
Evan was a great guy! I grew up with him in Deer Lodge and he was always nothing but nice to everyone. I am so very sorry to the entire family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Greg Pohle says
Many thoughts and prayers going out to family and friends near and far. Evan was a HELLUVA guy!!!
Del & Pauline Nicholson says
Evan will be missed dearly..he was a very good neighbor to have..we enjoyed his coming to our branding..we will pray for the family to be strong n to carry own the ranch for him..may God be with you all at this sad moment in your life ..take one day at a time n you all will be ok..
Merlin Yoder Family says
To Dana, Kylie, & Ethan, you have our deepest sympathy.
May the Lord put His comforting arms around you!
Don Goodman (Sonny) says
To Johnston Family, Evan was an Amazing brother in law and friend, he was an all around great man who will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with each and every one of you. May the Lord be with you and guide you during this difficult time.
Theresa and Tom Yockim says
To Dana and the children. I’m so sorry for your loss. My friend Kris and I met Evan 3 years ago while we were in the valley discussing Agriculture. Evan was so accommodating, passionate and knowledgeable. What a friendship we built with him over the past few years.
We will truly miss those visits. What a wonderful man and beautiful family you are. We’re so heartbroken to hear of his passing. Our love and thoughts are with you all.
Munson Family says
Sending love and condolences to Judy, Dana, Kylie and Ethan. We are so very sorry for your loss.
Anonymous says
Prayers for peace and healing to the whole family. Evan has always been a great guy even when he was younger. Treasure all of the memories in your heart for there he will always be.
Glen and Polly Green says
Dana, Kylie, Ethan and the rest of the family our thoughts and condolences are with you during this difficult time. Evan will be sorely missed and we are sorry for your loss.
DeAnn Dutton says
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Johnston family and friends. Evan was a very genuine nice guy, who always said hi when he saw you even if it had been 10 years since last time you ran into each other. He will be missed by many.
Ivy says
Evan was a true Montana neighbor. My family and I were blessed to have been welcomed in when we first moved to River Road, and cared for over the many years by him, Dana, Kylie and Ethan. He will be so greatly missed, in so many moments. But so many great memories will be looked back on in warmth, gratitude and love. My heart goes out to you, Dana, Kyle and Ethan. xoxo
Chad Williams says
Evan was a one of a kind human! In all of my travels, I have never met a man who was so kind and genuine of character!
I really enjoyed talking with him about the weather (he could have been a meteorologist!) He really enjoyed telling me about new techniques he was trying with the crops and cattle. I really liked to try to make him laugh, which made my day when I could.
My deepest condolences to Dana and the kids! May God grant you peace and healing! God bless you all!
Willow & Ashley Wehr says
We send healing and loving thoughts to your family and hope that peace finds you all soon. Evan was a great guy, always willing to lend a helping hand. He will be missed greatly but his memory will always live on. Thanks for being awesome neighbors to us.
Patti Peppin-Benner & Tom Johnson says
An amazing man, our heart breaks for you Dana, Kyle and Ethan.
You are in our thoughts and prayers. 💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔
We love you all.
Patti and Tom
Chris & Jackie Zawada says
Thoughts and prayers to Evan’s family. It was an honor to serve with him on St JOHN lutheran Church Council.
Todd Rainville says
Judy, Dana and family My condolences to you all. So sorry to hear of your loss.
Sue Wehr says
We have been blessed to have Evan as a neighbor. He was a kind man with a good heart. You will be missed. Loving thoughts to all the Johnston family. Greg and Sue Wehr
Terry J says
Cherished memories of wiffle ball, touch football and dreams of Olympic basketball. Those days, they were the BEST!
Tal & Wendy (Murphy) Williams says
To all the Johnston family we send our thoughts and prayers! We are so very sorry for your loss!
Sarah and Mark DeOpsomer says
Dear Johnston Family – We were deeply saddened to hear of Evan’s passing. We only had a brief meeting with him 22 yrs when we bought his bay mare, Ali. He was sad to give her up (as he’d raised her from a filly). We have taken very good care of her as we knew Evan wanted. She is still with us (although retired) and we always think of the positive experience we had with Evan and the many, many hours of trail riding and hunting/packing with her. Again, we send our condolences.
Patty Hopcus Ferreira, PCHS says
Dear Judy, I am sorry to hear about the passing of your son.
A beautiful soul, full of love and faith ascended to Heaven, away from us, but closer to God, leaving loneliness and sadness.
May you be comforted by the outpouring of love surrounding you.
Emily (Polish) Sims says
I’m so very sad at the loss of Evan. What a sweet guy to grow up with and incredible man! I’m so grateful I got to see him several years ago at Swan lake. One last time I to embarrass him a little and see him turn red. Much love to the Johnston’s.
Vicki (Sikkenga) Elam says
Sending my thoughts and prayers to you and your family Judy. I met Evan a couple of times when visiting my mother Renee who was your neighbor.
Again, sending my condolences from Shelby, MT
Brenda Goldie-Piatt says
Evan was such a kind person, always a big smile on his face. His mom and dad were the same, there to welcome you into their home and family. I’m so sorry for his passing, we lost my brother this summer also and at this age it’s hard to accept.
My love to you Aunt Judy, your girls and Evan’s family.
Louise Beighle says
Judy, I am so sorry for you and Evan’s family. We the older ones are suppose to go first. John, Paul and myself will keep in our prayers.
Erin Callahan (Ball) says
I was so sad to hear of Evan’s passing and am sending heart felt condolences to his family and close friends. Though we lost touch as adults, I felt very fortunate to grow up with Evan and will remember him as a kind, authentic, wise beyond his years, and solid guy even from a young age. I also felt fortunate to run into Evan a few years ago in Deer Lodge and witness his pride as he told me about his family and children. Huge hugs to the Johnston family.
Margo Ericson says
Heartfelt condolences to Judy, Janet, and the family. God Bless! Love & peaceful thoughts surround you all.