Pat Irvan Johnston, 87, of Hardin, KY, passed away Friday, February 27, 2026, at the Stilley House Senior Living in Benton, KY.
Born May 19, 1938, in Marshall County, Pat was the beloved son of the late Lawrence Irvan Johnston and the late Mary Agnes (Nanney) Johnston.
He believed deeply in the value of hard work and honest effort — principles that guided him throughout his life. Pat began his career at Tappan Stove Company, where he spent twenty years until the plant’s closure. He then built a respected reputation as an auctioneer, proudly owning and operating Johnston Auction Service. He also served with Murray State University Dining Services for many years before retiring. In every role he held, Pat’s dedication to his work and to the people he served was evident, leaving a lasting impression on all who knew him. He was a member of the Union Ridge Baptist Church, Aurora, KY.
Those left to cherish memories of Pat include his daughters, Rhonda Faye Johnston Lamb (Gary Brame) of Murray, KY; and Jhonda Kaye Johnston of New York, NY and Hardin, KY; sisters, Linda Hendrick of Benton, KY and Brenda Mason (Joe Baker) of Brewers, KY; grandchildren, Nikki Renee Cossey (Ben) of Murray, KY and Justin Lamb (Jenna) of Louisville, KY; and great-grandchildren, Miles Cossey of Murray, KY, Max Cossey of Seattle, WA and Evelyn and Eleanor Lamb of Louisville, KY; great great-grandson, Boston Daniel Cossey of Seattle, WA.
In addition to his parents, Pat was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Wayne Hendrick.
Funeral services will be conducted Monday, March 2, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in the chapel of the Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home, with Rev. Jack Kee and Rev. Jordan Roach officiating. Burial will follow the service in the Wadesboro Cemetery in Hardin, KY.
Friends may visit with the family Sunday, March 1, 2026, between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. at the Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home, 713 S. 4th St., Murray, KY 42071.
The family requests that donations in memory of Pat be made to the Wadesboro Cemetery Fund, c/o Charlotte Swift, 132 Paul Jones Lane, Benton, KY 42025.
Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home & Cremation Services is honored to be entrusted with the care of Mr. Johnston. Please share your messages of condolence by signing his virtual guestbook at www.blalockcolemanfuneralhome.com.
