Jay 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. Johns 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 rededicated 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 covaledictorian 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 30year 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.

Jays primary hobby was playing the piano and he loved playing for impromptu gatherings. He played piano for the childrens 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 Jays coworkers and friends at ConocoPhillips.

Family requested Memorial Contributions to either American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 731231718 or a college fund set up for his two daughters, Ashley and Kellie Johnston, in care of Grace Memorial Chapel, P.O. Box 2016, Ponca City, Oklahoma 74602