Kenny was born in Marion, Indiana on June 6, 1940 to the late Russell and Helen (Piotrowski) Johnston. He was reared in Green Hill, Indiana and graduated in 1958 from Otterbein High School. He was married in Lafayette on July 20, 1963 to Nancy L. Renick, and she survives.

He worked for Ross Gear of Lafayette for 10 years and Eli Lilly Company of Lafayette for 28 years until his retirement in 1999.

He was an active member of Faith Church in Lafayette since 1971 and enjoyed greeting at the church, reading, fishing, and coaching and competing in archery since 1968. He was a member of the Iroquois Archery Club of Rensselaer, Indiana.

He is survived by his wife and children: Kandie Stilwell (husband David) of Peru, South America, Christopher Johnston (wife Sheri) of Lafayette, and Blaine Johnston (wife Terah) of Goodyear, AZ; brother, Tony Johnston of Kentucky, grandchildren: Christina Johnston, Ashlee Johnston, Erika Johnston, Benjamin Stilwell, Rebekah Stilwell, Abigail Stilwell, Jacob Stilwell, Hope Johnston, Pacey Johnston; and great grandchildren: Cameron Suiter, Christopher P. Johnston, Jace Rhode, and Adalyn Gregory. He is also preceded in death by a sister, Linda Ritenour, a brother, Jim Johnston (wife Gala), and great-grandson, Austin Payne.

Visitation will be Friday July 15 from 11-1pm at Faith Church 5526 State Rd. 26 East Lafayette, IN 47905. Funeral service 1PM. In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute to Faith Church in his memory.