Dr. Gary Wayne Johnston, DDS, 83, of Stagecoach, Texas, passed away peacefully on October 21, 2026, at Grow in Grace Care Center in Ganado. He was born on March 18, 1943, in El Campo, Texas, to the late E.S. and Hallie Mae Mitchell Johnston.

Raised in Wharton, Gary graduated from Wharton High School in 1961. He continued his education at Wharton County Junior College, Lamar University, the University of Michigan, and the University of Texas Dental School, graduating in 1969. He practiced dentistry in the San Antonio and Houston areas for many years.

Gary enjoyed figuring out how things worked and loved woodworking. Eric Clapton could often be heard playing in his workshop, where Gary enjoyed all things rock and roll—especially the blues. An inventor and cigar aficionado, he was rarely without a cigar in hand. He especially cherished taking his grandchildren for rides on his Ford tractor. Above all, Gary treasured time with his family.

He is survived by his son, Patrick Johnston, and daughter-in-law, Tara, of Bellville, his sister, Sylvia Johnston, of Victoria, and his grandchildren, Kyle Johnston and his wife, Abby, of Austin, and Neil Johnston, of Lubbock.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Kyle Douglas Johnston and Glen Foster Johnston.

A private graveside memorial service will be held at the Wharton Cemetery.

Funeral Services are under the direction of Wharton Funeral Home. Condolences may be left at whartonfunertalhome.com.