Columbia City, IN — David Lewis Johnston, 83, a beloved local restaurateur and longtime member of the Columbia City community, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, October 25, 2025, surrounded by family.
Born March 27, 1942, in Warsaw, Indiana, David, known fondly as Dave, grew up in Warsaw and graduated from Warsaw High School in 1960. His passion for the food service industry began during his high school years working for the Penguin Point restaurant franchise, a career that would span decades and touch the lives of countless community members.
In 1961, Dave married his wife Carolyn L. Moore, with whom he shared 52 years of marriage, raising two sons together. That same year, he moved to Columbia City to manage the local Penguin Point, planting the seeds for what would become a lifelong dedication to serving others.
In 1971, Dave purchased The Nook restaurant in downtown Columbia City, turning it into a cherished local institution. Famous for its coney dogs and inspired by Coney Island, NY, The Nook became a place where generations of families, including his own children and grandchildren, found warmth, good food, and friendship. Even after Carolyn’s passing in 2013, Dave continued running the restaurant until its closure in July 2024, when he officially retired.
Beyond the restaurant, Dave had a zest for life. He traveled extensively, visiting all 50 states and exploring local cuisines across the country. He cherished family time, enjoying board games with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and making lasting memories through shared adventures. He also had a fondness for cats, who became beloved companions in his later years.
Dave is survived by his sons, David “Lance” (Brenda) Johnston and Daniel (Shanna) Johnston; grandchildren Ashley (Daniel) Davis, Levi Johnston, Lydia (Mitch) Ruter, Amy (Dan Hursey) Johnston, and Linzi Melchor; great-grandchildren Milo Johnston, Walker Davis, Xaia Melchor, Jesse and Cora Hursey, and Adalyn and Desmond Ruter; sisters Rosalind (Lynn) Morey and Virginia “Ginny” Hermansen; and brothers Gaylord (Sandy) Johnston and Dallas (Karen) Johnston. He was preceded in death by his parents, Orval D. and Aletha B. Johnston.
A casual Celebration of Life will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, November 2, at Smith & Sons Funeral Home in Columbia City, with visitation from 11:30 a.m. until the service. Burial will follow at Greenhill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Dave’s honor to B.A.B.E. of Whitley County or the Humane Society of Whitley County.
Dave Johnston will be remembered not only for his contributions to Columbia City’s culinary scene but also for his warmth, generosity, and unwavering devotion to family and community.