M. Johnston

M. Lee Johnston, 71, a resident of Astoria, New York, died Friday, June 6, 2014 at his sister’s home in Davenport after a brief illness.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 16, 2014 at the Rock Island National Cemetery. Those wishing to attend should meet at 10:30 a.m. on Monday at McGinnis-Chambers Funeral Home in Bettendorf for the procession to the cemetery.  Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Born on January 9, 1943 in Davenport, Lee was the son of Cyril and Lovie (Keeling) Johnston. Lee was a 1961 graduate of Bettendorf High School and attended the University of Iowa.

Lee was a U.S. Army veteran of the Viet Nam War and was honorably discharged in November of 1969. Following his discharge from the Army, Lee moved to New York City where he resided the remainder of his life. He worked as an accountant and became an accomplished vocalist as well as a bona fide computer whiz. Lee enjoyed the theater, traveling and spending time with his family and friends.  He was notorious for his quick wit, his hearty laugh, great sense of humor and boisterous character.

Those left to honor his memory include his sister and brother-in-law, Carol and Roger Irey of Davenport; nieces and nephews, Sheryl and Merl Jones of Dripping Springs, Texas, Richard and Mary Irey of Coralville, Iowa and Julie and Pat Minnucci of Atlanta, Georgia; his aunt, Virgie Motes of Augusta, Kansas; several cousins and many longtime friends of the New York City area.

He was preceded in death by his parents.