Obituary for Orvin Johnston

Orvin Johnston – Veteran

(September 3, 1923 – May 20, 2016)

Orvin LeRoy Johnston died May 20, 2016 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. He was born on September 3, 1923 to Roy Raymond and Noma Ruth Hicks Johnston in the Enid, Oklahoma home of his maternal grandmother. The family lived in Blackwell, Oklahoma and that is where Orvin attended school graduating from Blackwell High School in 1941. Orvin studied voice, played football and was a record setting track star during those years. He enrolled in Oklahoma A&M in 1941 and was a member of Beta Theta Pi. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, Orvin, along with millions of other young men, volunteered to serve their country in World War II. He joined the Army Air Corps and after basic training, he was commissioned a 2nd lieutenant. He served as a bombardier on B24 Liberators in the 13th Air Force, 307 Bombardment Group, and 424th Squadron in the South Pacific. As members of the legendry Long Rangers, he and his crew were part of the historic attacks on Truk, Yap and Palau.

After his safe return from the war, he re-entered A&M. Mutual friends introduced him to Margaret Jean Wiggins. Orvin and Peggy married in the First Methodist Church of Stillwater on March 20, 1948 and celebrated 55 years of marriage before her death in 2003. The couple established their home in Blackwell where their three daughters Julie, Jan and Jennifer were born. Orvin owned Johnston Feed and Seed in Blackwell before joining Sooner Life Insurance Company in Ponca City. After more than 40 years in the insurance business, he retired as president of First Life Assurance. Orvin’s career selling insurance products to banks and other lending businesses led to life-long friendships across Oklahoma, Arkansas and New Mexico.

In 1963, the family moved from Blackwell to Elk City and then El Reno in 1970. After suffering a stroke in 2004, Orvin moved to Stillwater where he resided until the time of his death. He was an avid and loyal OSU alum who supported the Cowboys’ football team on the 50 yard line for more than 60 years. In fact he was called out of a game in 1953 when his daughter, Jan, was born and sat through the infamous 1985 ice bowl. As a life-long member of the United Methodist Church, Orvin taught Sunday School, sponsored youth groups, attended United Methodist Men’s meetings, ushered and served the church whenever he could.

He was preceded in death by his parents; as well as his brothers Wendell and Kenneth who died in infancy.

He is survived by his sister Maureen Williams; his sister-in-law Linda Johnston; brother-in-law Bill and LuAlyce Wiggins. Julie and Jim Barnard, Jan Stevener, and Jennifer and Ron Riker will all cherish his memory. He is also survived by much loved grandchildren Kathryn Day, Melissa and Kyle Stevener, Bradley Kamm, Mandy and Patrick Kamm, Karen and Joshua Barnard and Meredith Barnard; Great grandchildren Bailey and Gauge Kamm, Sophia, Tennison, Shepherd and Tucker Kamm, Isobel Barnard and soon- to-be-born baby boy Stevener. As was Orvin’s nature, he welcomed additional grandchildren Ronnie and Mindy Riker, Jennifer and Joey Tillery, Shaina and Matthew Riker, and Mary Lynn Riker to the family as his own. Many cousins, nieces and nephews also smile when they think of the wonderful times they enjoyed with him.

Services are scheduled for 10:00a.m., Monday, May 23, 2016 at the Roberts and Son Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Cap McIlnay of Blackwell First United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will follow in the Blackwell Cemetery with Military Rites performed by the United States Army.

Casketbearers will be Bradley Kamm, Patrick Kamm, Josh Barnard, Jim Barnard, Kyle Sevener and Ron Riker.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his honor to the Oklahoma United Methodist Circle of Care or a charity of your choice c/o Roberts and Son Funeral Home, 120 W. Padon, Blackwell, Oklahoma 74631.