DON E. JOHNSTON, JR., Don Edwin “Skipper” Johnston, Jr,

60, passed away December 27th, 2023 in Malang, Indonesia. A native of Little Rock, Ark., he was born January 28, 1963 to Don Edwin and Ann Wilkinson Johnston.

He is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Wida, and three daughters Rachel (28), Hannah (25), and Michelle (20). He is also survived by his brother Dr. Kenneth Johnston of North Little Rock, and two nieces Arum and Tika and two nephews Taruna and Jack. He is pre-deceased by his parents and his sister Elizabeth Suzanne “Betsy” Johnston. Don, or Skip, as he was known locally, graduated from Parkview High School in Little Rock in 1981 and Baylor University in 1985 before studying Economics at Harvard University. He developed lending programs for underserved communities in Indonesia for the banking industry. He also taught economic development courses in the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard. His life’s work became improving access to clean water and sanitation for all people: he coordinated public and private sector finance and oversaw construction projects as the Operations Director for Southeast Asia at water.org. Don was a man of practical and accepting Christian faith and he leaves behind epic footprints as a devoted father and husband. Despite the international scope of his profession, his family was his highest priority. He was a fun and caring Daddy with a persistent knack for nudging his daughters to live out and up to their God-given potential. He served as a deacon, elder, and teacher of youth and children at Jakarta International Baptist Church. He was a mentor and friend to many people and will be greatly missed. Funeral and interment were in Malang. The family requests that any memorials be made to the religious or charitable organization of your choice, or to water.org. A reception in celebration of his life is tentatively planned for January 28th. If you would like to be notified as more details become available, please sign the online guest book at Legacy.com.