Steven E. JOHNSTON

Steven E. "Geber" JOHNSTON, 47, of Whitesville, NY, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 22, 2015. Born June 21, 1967, in Wellsboro, PA, he was the son of Eleanor Haskins Johnston and the late Rex Nye. On June 14, 2003, in Whitesville, he married the former Nancy E. Hall, who survives. A 1985 graduate of Whitesville Central School, he was employed by Jones and Preshell Photography as a photographer. He went on to work for Pittsford Tree and Landscaping with his best friend, Jeff Kear. Bartending took to being his forte for several establishments. After that, he was employed by Westfield Tanning Co. and M&K in Hornell. For several years, he was "on the road" with IVCI. Steve and lifelong friend, Mike Edwards, started a company called Fence Me In, which he took great pride in. Alstom in Hornell was his next calling. He successfully completed a CDL class and obtained his license. With his wife by his side, they operated the Independence Country Store, where he became "famous" for his beef on weck. For 22 years, he was a true icon of the Whitesville Rod & Gun Club, where he served as President. He was a member of Moose Lodge #601 and a lifetime member of the NRA. Steve, along with his brother-in-law, Steven Jackson, taught NYS hunter's safety to many students for several years. A sportsman, he enjoyed fishing, coyote hunting, turkey hunting, and his all-time favorite, deer hunting. His home displayed many trophies won with family and good friends. Over the years, he took several kids hunting, which filled him with a great sense of pride. Noted for singing "The Piano Man," he loved karaoke and was a "performer" throughout his life. Surviving besides his wife, Nancy, are: his mother, Eleanor Johnston of Whitesville; two sisters, Laura (Tony) Johnston and Billie Jo (Steven) Jackson; nieces and nephews, Dan Allen, Trevor Jeffers, Rebecca Van Cise, Dalton Jackson, Jenna Jackson, Brendal "Precious" Jackson, sweet litte "Miss" Rachel Jackson, Michael Plaisted, Samantha Plaisted, Kayla Plaisted, and Ryan Plaisted. Steve was the kids' "biggest" fan, no matter what sport they were playing. His booming voice could always be heard encouraging them. He is also survived by aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was predeceased by his father, Rex Nye. Friends are invited to celebrate Steve's life at the Whitesville Rod and Gun Club on Saturday, March 28, 2015 beginning with a service by Rev. Dennis Munro at 1:00 PM and continuing through the afternoon. Memorials may be made to the Whitesville Rod and Gun Club for the Rex Nye Memorial Kids Fishing Derby or Whitesville Central School for a scholarship fund. Arrangements are entrusted to the Olney Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Ulysses, PA. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfuneralhome.com.