Obituary for Thomas “Danny” Johnstone

Thomas Danny Johnstone

January 14, 1933 ~ May 26, 2021 (age 88)

Thomas “Danny” Johnstone passed peacefully from this life on Wednesday, May 26, 2021, at his home in Ponca City, Oklahoma surrounded by the love of his close family.

Danny was the 14th child born to Willie Barnes “W.B.” Johnstone and Octavia Walker Johnstone on January 14, 1933, in Hunnewell, Kansas. He grew up and spent most of his life in northern Oklahoma. During his early adulthood he worked as an oil driller. On February 14, 1953, he married Glenda Bilyeu and to that union were born two children, Pamela, and Brett. After the birth of his children, he began a career of law enforcement in Kay County, Oklahoma. Over 10 years he worked his way from jailer to Sheriff where he held office for another 10 years. On August 2, 1980, Danny married the love of his life, Dottie Christy, and became the stepfather to her two children, Mark, and Kimberly Woolley. After retiring from his role as sheriff, Danny worked several other jobs to fill his time. He greatly enjoyed hunting, camping, fishing, gardening, and anything else outdoors. He was proud to pass his traditions and knowledge of those things down to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Danny was also a proud member of several organizations including the Northern Oklahoma Southern Kansas Peace Officers and The Noon Lions Club.

Danny is survived by his wife, Dottie, one brother, Richard Johnstone, children, Pam VanCuren, Brett Johnstone, Mark Woolley, and Kim Mcgilvrey, grandchildren, Nick VanCuren, Stan VanCuren, Brandon and his wife Bethany Woolley, Kyle Johnstone, Misti and her husband Charlie Yundt, great grandchildren, Ava, Issac, Zaxton, Joslin, Ruthie, Jacob, Levi, and Lyndi, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, eight brothers, Jim, Bob, Willie, Max, Wayne, Jack, Freddie, and Kenny, five sisters, Mable, Mae, Lucile, Mary, and LaDonna, one granddaughter, Stacia Barnett.

A Memorial Service will be held in Danny’s honor at 2pm on Friday, June 4, 2021, at Grace Memorial Chapel, 2016 N. 14th St, Ponca City with his grandson-in-law, Charlie Yundt presiding. Danny will be placed to rest in the Odd Fellows Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions be made to Hospice of North Central Oklahoma.

Words of encouragement and condolences may be left online at www.gracememroialchapel.net.