Benjamin David Johnston

Benjamin David Johnston, Jr, age 73, was born on March 18, 1951, in Nevada, Missouri, to Benjamin, Sr and Joan (Burns) Johnston. He passed away May 19, 2024, at his home in Norman, Ok. Ben was the first and most favored grandchild of his maternal grandparents Bob & Mary Burns of Rich Hill, MO.  As the oldest son of a military family, Ben enjoyed living in Fairbanks, Alaska, Ft Riley, Kansas, Germany, and in Lawton, Ok from 1959 until moving to Norman in 1970. Ben was an active Boy Scout in Troop 177 at Westwood Baptist Church; attended Westwood Elementary, Tomlinson Jr High, and was a 1969 graduate of Lawton, Eisenhower High School. He also attended Cameron University and OU.

Most of his adult life Ben worked in the restaurant business and as a commercial painter.  He was meticulous in his work, and enjoyed the precision and details involved. He enjoyed his “Jeopardy group” each week and he was good at reaching out to his many friends. He was the “social secretary” of our family keeping his siblings informed of daily events. He enjoyed his newspaper and was especially happy to complete his crossword puzzles - in ink.

Ben appreciated Marilyn Monroe and her theory that “If I’d observed all the rules, I’d never got anywhere”.  He enjoyed living in Norman so much that it was a challenge to get him to leave home for more than a day or two at a time. He loved living on University Drive & avidly following the University of Oklahoma sports teams. Boomer Sooner!

Ben is survived by his brother Robert (Lana) of Clinton, Ok and his sister, Jeannine Miller (Micky) of Bowie, TX. Nieces and nephews, Rob Johnston, Lauren Hailu (Habby), Micheal Miller (Carla), Jenna Hagy (Holt), Mark Miller (Ashlea) and Lars Johnston.  Great nephews and niece: Cooper, Griffin, Noah & Henry Miller; Thad, Theo & Alex Hailu; Miles, Merritt & Mack (due in August) Miller and Heidi & Hawkins Hagy.

Ben’s family is sincerely thankful for all of his friends’ and neighbors’ kindnesses and prayers. When you remember Ben think of his twinkling blue eyes & the big grin on his face.  “Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him.” Jeremiah 17:7