Robert was born January 20, 1935, in Marshall, TX to Eliza Wright and Walter Leonard. At an early age, Robert was raised by his cousins Walter and Louise Johnston in Jefferson, TX, whom he also knew as his parents. He departed this earthly life on July 31, 2022, at his home. His parents, five brothers, and two sisters proceeded him in death.

In 1953, Robert moved to Kansas City, MO where he attended school at Manual and RT Coles High School. He eventually graduated from Sumner High School in Kansas City, KS.

After a brief stay in the U.S. Navy, Robert married the love of his life Ida Roby in 1964. Robert and Ida had a long happy and enjoyable life together where they loved to go on joy rides and road trips. To this union a son was born.

Robert worked for various companies such as Cygans Corporation and American Cyanimid before working for Butler Manufacturing Company. He retired in 1998 from Butler after 22 years of employment. Not being a person to simply "retire," Robert soon returned to work again at Butler as a contractor, where he was known as "Bob," "Butler Bob," or "Mr. Butler."

Robert enjoyed taking on fix-it projects…he was known as Mr. Fix-It Man, he was self-taught and exceptionally good. Whether it would be building a work shed, fixing a roof, building a fence, working on a car, or landscaping the yard…this was how he relaxed. He also enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, watching old western movies, history programs, watching the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals, and you could also find him sitting on his porch drinking coffee and having a cigarette.

Robert was a great family man who loved his wife of 58 years, his son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren, as well as extended family. He was not only a provider for his immediate family but also for his extended family where he treated his nieces and nephews like his own children.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Ida Roby-Johnston; Son Prentice Johnston Sr. (Tonya); two grandchildren Ilyssa Johnston and Prentice Johnston Jr., all of Kansas City, MO. He leaves two brothers, Ray Brooks (Nell) of Longview TX; Danny Ray Leonard (Christina) of Marshall TX; seven sisters, Shirley Ransom of Houston, Shirley Bennett of Long Beach CA; Jewel Benoit of Bakersfield CA; Shelia (Joseph) Fisher, Patricia Johnson, and Darlene Leonard all of Marshall TX; Jennette Daniels (Terry) of Tyler TX. A host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Thoughtful care and services provided by E. S. Eley & Sons Funeral Chapel, Inc.