Michael Lynn "Mike" Johnston

Michael Lynn "Mike" Johnston, age 70, of Battle Creek died at home and went to be with Jesus and many loved ones on Sunday, December 23, 2018. He was born on October 25, 1948 in Battle Creek, the son of Robert L. and Merry L. (Moser) Johnston. He attended Springfield Schools and then in Junior High began attending Lakeview, until graduating in 1966. He honorably served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War as a Signalman on Navy tugs patrolling the Mekong River. He attended Kellogg Community College and received a Doctor of Ministry degree from Christian Bible College.

He came to know Jesus on April 24th, 1975. He then went on to play guitar, write music, and sing in Christian bands, and was a minister of the gospel from 1975 to the present. He pastored three churches from 1984 to 2000, served on staff at First Wesleyan Church and with Jack Van Impe Ministries. His greatest passion was his prison ministry, PMI Center for Biblical Studies, founded in 1981 to present.

Mike was united in marriage to Ann Elizabeth Leutholtz on January 9, 1971 at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church in Battle Creek. Surviving are Ann, his wife of 47 years; son, Aaron (Daneil) Johnston; three grandchildren, Brandon (Marylou) Norton, Christian Johnston and Jaidynn Johnston; son-in-law, Greg Norton; two brothers, Brad (Cindy) Johnston and Marty (Tina) Johnston. Mike was preceded in death by his parents and his daughter, Tara Norton.

Mike was an avid reader and writer. He read and studied the Bible daily and spent much time in prayer. He enjoyed playing the guitar, had a great sense of humor, and loved spending time with his kids and grandkids. Mike will be remembered as a generous and giving person and a great encourager to many through the years. He will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him.

A Celebration of Life service will be held 3:00 p.m., Friday, January 4, 2019, at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care where his family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, starting at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to PMI Center for Biblical Studies P.O. Box 177 Battle Creek, MI 49016.