Leslie (Les) Johnston

Leslie (Les) Johnston, 86, of Newkirk, Oklahoma, went to be with the Lord on August 6, 2025. Born and raised in Newkirk, Leslie lived a life marked by service, hard work, and quiet dedication to his community and family.

After graduating from Newkirk High School in 1957, Leslie began his career at Kirkendall Iron and Drilling, where he met the love of his life, Linda Kirkendall, the two were married on March 20th, 1965, and shared a devoted union built on Christ and endless love.

In 1962, Leslie was inducted into the US Army and served honorably in Germany until 1964, later receiving an honorable discharge in 1968. His deep sense of duty continued in civilian life when he joined the Newkirk Police Department in 1965 and was promoted to the Chief of Police in 1968. He served his hometown faithfully for two decades until 1985.

Leslie continued his service to Kay County as an employee of the Kay County Courthouse from 1985 until his retirement in 2008. That same year, he was honored as Newkirk’s Citizen of the Year, a testament to the integrity, reliability, and kindness he brought to every endeavor.

Never one to truly retire, Leslie worked with River Ridge Construction until 2022. In his later years, he found great joy in spending time outdoors, especially fishing along the river with his sons- a pastime that brought him both peace and pride.

Leslie had a deep love for people and a heart for helping those in need. He was a selfless man who never judged others by what they had, but instead by the goodness he saw in them. He believed in second chances, gave the benefit of the doubt freely, and extended grace to anyone who crossed his path. His quiet generosity, steady presence, and faith- filled kindness left a mark on many lives

A true Oklahoma sports fan, Leslie loved cheering on the Oklahoma Sooners and was a loyal supporter of his hometown Newkirk Tigers. He also cherished time spent at deer camp, where stories flowed as easily as the coffee and the memories made were some of the most treasured.

Leslie is survived by his children: Clint and Leigh Anne Johnston of Newkirk, Oklahoma: Chad and Jamie Johnston of Newkirk, Oklahoma: and Brady and Tammy Burke of Ponca City, Oklahoma. He was a proud Grandfather to - Kayla Johnston of Tulsa, Oklahoma; Chase and Cindy Johnston of Wellington, Kansas; Audrey and Hatam Tamimi of Chicago, Illinois; Ryan and Chelsea Chapman of Kaw City, Oklahoma; Shea and Haley Johnston of Newkirk, Oklahoma; Mason Pitts of Ponca City, Oklahoma; Lane and Lyric Pameticky of Ponca city, Oklahoma; Jaycee Johnston of Newkirk, Oklahoma; and Daryn, Jonston, and Brecken Burke of Ponca City, Oklahoma. He also leaves behind many beloved great grandchildren, with two due this month.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Millie Johnston; his siblings Harry W. Johnston and Muriel L. Mills; his wife, Linda Jean Johnston; and his Grandson, Jeremiah Johnston.

Leslie will be remembered for his unwavering work ethic, quiet wisdom, deep love for his family, and his lifelong commitment to his community.

Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Tuesday, August 12, 2025, in the Christ Church in Newkirk, OK with Pastor Craig Ortwein officiating. Interment will follow in the Newkirk City Cemetery under the care of Miller Stahl Funeral Home. Visitation will be held, Monday, August 11, 2025, from 3p.m. to 7 p.m. at Miller Stahl Funeral Home.

In Lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his memory to the Christ Church 1001 W. Boaz St Newkirk, Oklahoma 74647.