Lonnie Wayne Johnston

Lonnie Wayne Johnston, 81, of Newalla, OK, passed away Monday, February 20, 2023, surrounded by family and friends. Lonnie was born September 5, 1941, in Oklahoma City, OK, to Eldon and Irene Johnston.

Lonnie attended school and graduated from Putnam High School. Lonnie also attained an Associates Degree from Eastern Oklahoma State College in Wilburton, OK. Lonnie was drafted into the United States Army on June 21, 1966, during the Vietnam War, and did his Basic Training at Fort Polk, LA, then doing his Advanced Training at Ft. Sill, OK. Lonnie was sent overseas on December 1, 1966, and served a tour of Active Duty in Vietnam, with the 8th of the 6th Artillery, and then with the 6th of the 15th Air-mobile Artillery, under the 1st Infantry Division, the "Big Red One". Lonnie returned home after serving a year in Vietnam, during which time he was awarded several Military honors, including the Bronze Star. Once stateside, Lonnie was stationed at Ft. Mead, Maryland, and was activated and sent for 8 days to Washington DC during the race riots following the assassination of Martin Luther King.

On November 12, 1969, Lonnie married Susie Lee Lacefield in Durant, OK. On September 8, 1970, Lonnie began a career with the Oklahoma Department of Corrections at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester, OK, until his retirement on December 1, 2001. While working at OSP, he was present during the 1973 prison riot. On June 21, 1975, Lonnie continued his Military Service, enlisting in the Oklahoma National Guard, and serving with the 445th MP Co. in McAlester, OK, until retiring from Military Service after 21 years. During his time in the National Guard, Lonnie's unit was activated during Operation Desert Storm, but due to a medical condition, Lonnie remained stateside and served his active duty time at Ft. Sill, OK.

Lonnie loved to fish, camp, and spend time with his family. He spent time camping with his family at Lake Eufaula and resided there with his wife Susie after retirement, as a volunteer at the State Parks. He enjoyed the outdoors and meeting new people. 

Lonnie was preceded in death by his parents: Eldon and Irene Johnston; two sisters: Leona Harrell and Imogene Manning; two brothers: Richard "Dickie" Johnston and Joe Hall; his wife: Susie Johnston; and his partner: Loretta Herring.

Lonnie is survived by his daughter: Wilma Davis; a son: Kirk Johnston and his wife, Shannon Roye Johnston; two sisters-in-law: Aileen Hall and Linda Johnston; grandchildren: Brody Johnston, Tucker Johnston, Shawn Wier, Treyson Wier, Christopher Wier, Anthony Johnson, Dustin Davis and his wife Katy, Cody Davis; and great-grandchildren: Meredith, Cassie, James, and Charlotte.

Lonnie Johnston's life will be honored with a public visitation on Friday, March 17th, 2023, from 4-8 PM at Ingram, Smith & Turner Mortuary in Yukon. His service will be held on Saturday, March 18th, 2023 at 10 AM at Ingram, Smith & Turner Mortuary with burial to follow at the Dale Cemetery.

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