Obituary - Jay Kyle Johnston
Jay Kyle Johnston of Houston, Texas, and formerly of Ponca City passed
away Wednesday, April 21, 2010 after a lengthy battle with cancer. Jay was
53. Jay leaves behind his wife Carla and two daughters of the home, Ashley,
17, and Kellie,14.
Jay was born on March 5, 1957 in the Ponca City Hospital, a twin with his
brother, Ray. Jay was raised on the family farm in Grainola, Oklahoma. He
attended grade school in Grainola. At the age of 14, Jay was baptized in St.
John's Lutheran Church of Grainola. Shortly thereafter, being a student of
piano, he began playing organ for services at the church and continued this
for many years. Jay re-dedicated his life to Jesus Christ at the age of 15
at a church camp at Lake Murray. Jay attended Shidler High School and
graduated as co-valedictorian with his twin brother in 1975.
Jay attended Oklahoma State University, majoring in chemical engineering.
While at OSU, Jay played saxophone in the OSU Cowboy Marching Band. Jay
received his bachelors degree in 1979 and masters degree in 1980 and,
shortly thereafter, began work in the Process Engineering Division of Conoco
in Ponca City. Jay had a 30-year career with the company doing designs for
hydrocarbon processing units. His work relocated him to various places
around the world, including The Netherlands, England, Malaysia, Denver,
Houston, and Lake Charles, Louisiana. It was during his first stay in
Houston that Jay met Carla Sue Hargrave. A romance developed and Jay and
Carla were married on March 10, 1990 in Houston.
Jay's primary hobby was playing the piano and he loved playing for impromptu
gatherings. He played piano for the children's choir and adult Sunday School
class at First Baptist Church during his stay in Ponca City. He also played
piano for the Conoco Christmas Choir in Houston in past years. Being an
alumnus, Jay was an ardent OSU Cowboy sports fan. Jay was dedicated to his
work and he was extremely devoted to his family. He supported his daughters'
progress in the sport of soccer and spent much of his weekend time over the
past decade watching their games. Jay had a strong faith in Jesus Christ. He
was a member of First Baptist Church during his stay in Ponca City.
Besides his wife and daughters of the home, Jay is survived by his parents
Dick and June Johnston of Grainola; brother Marvin and wife Connie of
Chattanooga, Tennessee; brother Dee and wife Sandra of Grainola; twin
brother Ray and wife Vicky of Ponca City; sister Jan Johnston and husband
Brian Tharp of Pawhuska; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 pm Tuesday, April 27 at First
Baptist Church in Ponca City with Pastor Mike Seabaugh officiating. Burial
will be at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Grace
Memorial Chapel. Pallbearers for the service will be cousins Larry Bartgis
and Garry Bartgis, and nephews Jacob Rutter, Caleb Johnston, Josh Johnston,
and Brian Hargrave. Honorary pallbearers are all of Jay's co-workers and
friends at ConocoPhillips.