[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 95 (Thursday, June 6, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E725]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING THE LIFE OF W.T. JOHNSTON

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BRIAN BABIN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 6, 2019

  Mr. BABIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Newton 
Championship Coach, community leader, teacher, preacher, husband, 
father, grandfather, and father figure W.T. Johnston, who went home to 
be with the Lord on May 11, 2019, at the age of 54.
  William T. (W.T.) Johnston was born on March 28, 1965 in Poteau, OK. 
He attended Henderson State University in Arkansas where he played for 
the Reddies as a defensive end from 1986-1988. His distinctions on and 
off the field were noticed, and in 2019 he was awarded with the Sporty 
Carpenter Award, which is given in honor of Henderson State's legendary 
head football coach.
  He moved to Newton in the early 1990's where he coached and taught. 
For the last eight years, he was an outstanding head coach for the 
Newton Eagles football team, where he successfully led the Eagles to a 
97-15 record. Even later in his career, battling Graft-versus-host 
disease, W.T. coached the Newton Eagles to a victory win as Texas State 
Champions in both 2017 and 2018.
  W.T. married the love of his life Debra Short on August 3, 1985 and 
together they raised their two sons, Drew and Shaw. He had two 
grandchildren, Jax and Reece. On April 22, 2019 Newton ISD announced 
that Drew would be taking his father's position as head coach.
  William T. Johnston not only instilled the message of God in his 
students and athletes, but also inspired millions around the country 
with his courageous message of never giving up and hope. He has truly 
left a legacy, and will be remembered for generations to come. The 
Johnston Family will continue to be in my prayers.

                          ____________________