Larry Allen Johnston

Larry Allen Johnston passed away peacefully in Glenpool, Oklahoma on Wednesday, September 30th, 2026, at the age of 81.

Larry was born on May 9, 1945, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to James and Leota (James) Johnston, the youngest of 4; brothers James Johnston Jr. and Jerry Johnston, and sister Linda Johnston Bailey. His life reflected the values he held closest to his heart - faith, family, and country - and those values will remain an important part of the legacy he leaves behind for generations to come.

Education was also important to Larry. After graduating from Nathan Hale High School, he earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from Oklahoma State University and later continued his education at Chapman College, earning a master's degree in counseling psychology. 

He proudly served his country for 20 years in the United States Air Force, attaining the rank of Major and comes from a military family legacy dating back to the Civil War. He began his Air Force career in 1969 after graduating from Oklahoma State University, serving among various different roles such as a squadron commander of 1000+ military/civilian personnel and a radar site commander in Taiwan during the Vietnam War. Over his 20-year career, he focused on drug and alcohol counseling, helped establish the Air Force's rehabilitation program, and a Survival Training Program which prepared soldiers to survive in captivity. After retiring in 1989, he remained involved in the service as a Civilian Hospice Chaplain and later founded Drug Free Youth Oklahoma, which promoted drug-free living in schools through their ceremonial "Red Ribbon Week" and earned recognition from the Nancy Reagan Foundation as being the best drug-free youth organization in the country. He had a special place in his heart for fellow veterans and devoted time to helping those transitioning out of military service. For more than 40 years, he was a "Life Coach" for civilians and veterans shackled with addiction and other disabling issues. 

Larry met the love of his life, Molly Gerkin, and together they built a life centered around their faith and family. In the 32 years of marriage, Larry and Molly emphasized working as a team raising a family of 5 children and later 3 grandchildren. Although they met later in life, they did not waste time by attending many children's activities and family events, it was never a dull moment in the Johnston household. His family could always count on him, whether the need was big or small. For Larry, taking care of the people he loved was never a burden; it was simply part of who he was.

When he wasn't serving others, Larry treasured time with his family and grandchildren. He enjoyed traveling, especially to the family lake homes in Minnesota, Tenkiller, and Grand Lake. He was a devoted "Pokes" fan and avid OSU wrestling fan, dating back to his high school wrestling days at Nathan Hale. 

Larry will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, veteran, counselor, and man of faith. 

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, James and Leota Johnston and his brother James (Jim) Johnston Jr. Survivors include his sister, Linda Bailey of San Antonio, Texas; his brother, Jerry Johnston of Jenks, Oklahoma; his beloved wife, Molly Johnston of Jenks, Oklahoma; his sons and their families Beau and Angela Johnston of Las Cruces, New Mexico, Justin Johnston of Dallas, Texas, and Andre Johnston and Fiancee Cheyenne Winfrey of Tulsa, Oklahoma; his daughters and their families Ilona and Josh Way of Bixby, Oklahoma and Libby and Grant Fox of Tulsa, Oklahoma; his grandchildren Sawyer Johnston of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Raegan Rutledge of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Mila and Jace Way of Bixby, Oklahoma, and two granddaughters on the way, along with many other loving, cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, fellow veterans, and members of his church community.

Memorial Donations can be made to Adult & Teen Challenge 

Arrangements are entrusted to Schaudt Glenpool-Bixby Funeral Service & Cremation Care Centers, 1329 East 151st Street, Glenpool, Oklahoma 74033. Family and friends may leave kind words of comfort, special memories, and condolences to the family online at www.schaudtfuneralservice.com.