Norman "Dan" or "Blackie" Lee Johnston, 77, Hills, died Wednesday, July 23, 2003, at his home in Hills.Services were Monday, July 28, 2003, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Hills. Burial was at Altona Cemetery in Hitchcock, S.D.Dan Johnston was born to Jack and Edna (Feld) Johnston on July 13, 1926, on a farm near Wolsey, S.D. He grew up in the De Smet, S.D., area where he attended school.He married Mary Anderson on April 3, 1949, in Dupree, S.D. During his life he lived in several different areas, which included Alaska, just off the Glenn Allen Highway, and for many years, in Hills. He trained horses at a big cattle ranch west of Mobridge, S.D., on the Moore River. He also owned a gas station with his father and brother, Jess. Later, he was self-employed as a truck driver.Mr. Johnston was a member of the American Quarter Horse Association. His favorite pastimes included riding and training horses, driving racecars, hunting, dancing and fishing.Survivors include his wife, Mary Johnston, Hills, one son, Dan Johnston, Dallas, Ore.; and one daughter, Jillian Benish, Sioux Falls, S.D.; four grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and three sisters, Mary Baker, Bonnie Norbury and Sally Johnston. Mr. Johnston was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter, Joy Romaine Johnston, two brothers, Jess Johnston and Jim Johnston, and one sister, Pat Hummel.Roste Funeral Home, Hills, was in charge of arrangements.
