Leslie “Les” Johnston, age 80, passed away on May 13, 2025, in Tulsa with his wife Jo Ann by his side. He was born on August 20, 1944, in Altus to John Leslie and Ila Mae (Cummings) Johnston.
Les graduated from CHS in 1962 and went on to attend Connors State College, where he made a name for himself as a talented athlete. He was named to the All-Conference Basketball Team in 1964 and was also a standout on the track team, qualifying for the National JUCO Track Meet as a high jumper.
After completing his studies at Connors, Les continued his education at Oklahoma State University, graduating in 1966 with a Bachelor of Science degree. His passion for learning and education led him to earn a Master’s degree in Education from Northeastern State University and a degree in Administration from the University of Tulsa.
Les proudly served in the U.S. Army Reserve for six years.
He dedicated his life to education and coaching, teaching and coaching basketball in several Oklahoma communities including Savanna, Stidham, Henryetta, Dewar and Beggs. He spent the final 26 years of his distinguished career at Beggs High School, serving 17 years as Principal and the last nine years as Superintendent. In 1998, his leadership and dedication were recognized when he was named one of the Top 10 Superintendents in Oklahoma by the Association of School Administration.
Beyond his career in education, Les was deeply involved in his community. He was a proud member of the Okmulgee Masonic Lodge and the Okmulgee Lions Club. He also served on the boards of the Green Country Technology Center Vo-Tech and the Okmulgee City Justice Authority. He was also a charter member and a Deacon August 20, 1944 – May 13, 2025
at Crossroads Baptist Church. In recognition of his athletic achievements, he was recently inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame at Connors State College.
Aside from his academic career, Les enjoyed fishing, golfing, spending time with his cattle and was a carpenter by trade.
Les is preceded in death by both his parents, John Leslie and Ila Mae.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Jo Ann, his sons Jeff and wife Lauri Johnston and Lance and fiancee Christine Martin, grandchildren, Alivia and husband Tyler Navarro, Issac and wife Hattie Johnston, Luke Johnston and Brooklynn and husband Dax Hampton, one great grandchild, Callahan Hampton, a brother, Kenny Johnston, sisters, Helen Allison and Carla House and a host of other family members and loved one.
Les will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to students, his love of athletics and the positive impact he made in every school and community he served.
Visitation for Les will be on Sunday, May 18, 2025, from 4-6 p.m. at McClendon-Winters Funeral Home in Beggs. Funeral services will be held on Monday, May 19, 2025, at 10 a.m. at Crossroads Baptist Church, with Rev. Ben Taylor officiating. Casket bearers will be Nick, Ditolla, Merrill Masters, Jerry Cadion, Mike Norman, Larry Harvey and Ron Aday.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Crossroads Baptist Church in honor of Les.
