Delbert Lee Johnston

Delbert Lee Johnston, 71, of Nevada, passed away on Saturday, July 30, 2016 in Nevada. Delbert was born to Robert Newton Johnston and Ruth Shirley (Robertson) Johnston on April 3, 1945, in El Dorado Springs, Mo. Delbert graduated Walker High School in 1963. He served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Schweinfurt, Germany.

Delbert was a lifetime resident of Vernon County. He was a local business owner, auctioneer and avid horseman. He was an Elder at the First Christian Church and served on the Board of Directors of the Oklahoma Buckskin Horse Association. Delbert was employed by multiple local businesses including Montgomery Wards, Kemper Insurance and Yellow Freight. He was the founder and owner of Delbert Johnston Auction Company and Delbert Johnston Rentals, LLC. Delbert often played a key role in the lives of children and adults who shared his love of horses. He was well known in the community for his support of youth programs, a boisterous laugh, and unrelenting teasing.

Delbert was previously married to Loretta Lyon from 1964-1990. From that marriage he is survived by his daughter Traci LeAnn Land of Katy, Texas, and her husband, Greg Land and four grandchildren Jonathan Land, Jason Land, Allison Land, and Amanda Land; and his son Russell Del Johnston of Omaha, Neb., and partner, Thaddeus Robertson and two grandchildren, Dylan Johnston and Daisy Johnston. He is also survived by siblings, Wanda Johnston, Don Johnston, Edna Tivis and Dallas Johnston.

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Junior Johnston, Nola Bruce, Kenneth Johnston, Keith Johnston, Karrol Johnston, Paul Johnston, Duane Johnston, Betty Payne, Lyle Johnston, Darrell Johnston, Darwin Johnston, and Franklin Delano Johnston.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 3, at Ferry Funeral Home, in Nevada, with Pastor David Rorabaugh officiating. A burial will follow at Moore Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 2. In lieu of flowers, donations can be directed to First Christian Church youth ministry programs.

View obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com.