Edwin Johnston

William Edwin “Ed” Johnston born July 27, 1934 in Ranger, Texas, the youngest child and only son of William Ernest and Sarah Johnston.  He passed from this life on March 21, 2022 surrounded by his family.

Ed moved to Monument, New Mexico with his family when he was only 6 years old.  He attended and graduated from Eunice High School in 1954, and married his high school sweetheart in 1952.  After graduation he went to work for El Paso Natural Gas in Oil Center, as a station operator for 35 years.  He then worked as a Land Man for Sid Richardson Oil & Gas until his retirement in 1999 after 10 years.

In 1962, Ed alongside Frances embarked on a new adventure when they moved to Monument, to begin their ranching operation, where they raised Herefords, later adding crossbred and registered angus cattle, which is still in operation today..  Ed was pivotal in bringing the Chianina breed to Lea County.  During this time, he was involved with the New Mexico Angus Association.

Ed is survived by his wife Frances of 69 years; three children, Keith and wife Stacy, De Etta and husband Mike, Kyle and wife Kimberly “Kimmie”, eight grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Ed truly believed in the value of 4-H and FFA programs, so alongside his wife, began his involvement with 4-H as organizational leaders of the Monument 4-H and there he dedicated 37 years not only guiding his own children and grandchildren through the program, but also offering encouragement and support to many youth of Lea County.  During his tenure, he was instrumental in expanding the Monument 4-H chapter to the largest at that time with 50 members.  Because of his impact on the youth development and the lives of many 4-H members through his leadership, he and his wife were honored by being inducted into the New Mexico 4-H Hall of Fame in 2003.  Ed and his wife were also honored when they were inducted into the Lea County Cowboy Hall of Fame in 2018 and that same year were also recognized as Lea County Fair & Rodeos honorees.  Ed also served on the Lea County Fair Board for 25 years as a member and chairman.

Ed looked forward every year to the Lea County Fair & Rodeo.  He enjoyed visiting with lifelong friends, watching the rodeo, but was most passionate about the Junior livestock shows.  He was instrumental in strengthening the Sale of Champions, knowing the importance of rewarding youth for their hard work and accomplishments by buying exhibitors livestock projects and donating them to the New Mexico Christian Children’s Home, an organization that Ed was also very passionate about.

Ed was a lifelong member of Jefferson Street Church of Christ.  He was also an avid Hobbs Eagle Basketball fan, where he and Frances held reserved seating for almost 30 years.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations can be made to the New Mexico Christian Children’s Home in his memory, 1356 New Mexico 236, Portales, NM  88130-9411