It is with a heavy heart we announce the passing of LaRoy (Roy) Jessie Johnston, 89, of Great Bend, Kansas. He passed away on July 19, 2025, at St. Francis Hospital in Wichita Kansas. Born on May 15, 1936, in Geneseo, Kansas. LaRoy was the son of Franklin Harold and Eleanor Myrtle (Wikoff) Johnston. LaRoy lived a life marked by dedication to his work, deep love for his family, and a passion for craftsmanship and the outdoors.

A 1955 graduate of Lyons High School, LaRoy began his working life as a carpenter for Everett Swenson. This early experience laid the foundation for his lifelong skill in finish carpentry and cabinet making. His talent and precision led him to build and remodel several homes in the Table Rock Lake area of Missouri, where he resided for over three decades. His handiwork remains a lasting testament to his craftsmanship.

LaRoy dedicated 33 years of service to Enron (formerly Northern Natural Gas), retiring in 2001. He began as a maintenance worker and advanced through roles as a utility person and ultimately as a well service technician. His strong work ethic and commitment were evident throughout his career.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, LaRoy was an avid outdoors man who found joy in hunting, fishing, camping, boating, and water skiing. He also had a deep love for woodworking—a passion that extended beyond occupation into artistry. Whether crafting furniture, rocking horses or remodeling homes, he took pride in every detail.

LaRoy was a devoted member of the United Methodist Church and the Moose Lodge. His faith was central to his life; he loved God deeply and lived with generosity and compassion. Known for being hard-working and always ready to lend a hand, LaRoy was a loving father and grandfather who cherished time with family. He had an infectious appetite for life and took great pride in the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his children: Jeffery (Nancy) Johnston of Galveston, Texas; Bruce (Michelle) Johnston of Great Bend, Kansas; Debra (Kirk) Burge of McPherson, Kansas; Shelly Allison of Yukon, Oklahoma; Robert Johnston of Yukon, Oklahoma; and stepdaughter Lisa (Michael) Mann of Lawrence, Kansas. He leaves behind 18 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is also survived by ex-wives Gretchen (Cussen) Stephens and Barbara (Underwood/Fliginger) Johnston.

LaRoy was preceded in death by his parents, the mother of his children and the love of his life—Jana Lee (Smith) Johnston—as well as their son Gerald Dean Johnston and stepson Anthony (Tony) Fliginger. He was also preceded by his brothers Clarence Johnston, Harold Johnston, Homer Johnston, Joseph (Joe) Johnston, Franklin (Dale) Johnston, and sisters Bernadine Bane, Nadine Fuqua, and Mildred Cathey.

LaRoy's legacy lives on through the many lives he touched—with every home he built or remodeled by hand; every fish caught, or story told around a campfire; every moment shared with family over breakfast or holidays. He was the greatest man we ever knew and the first man we ever loved. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him. Though we mourn your loss, we also celebrate the incredible life you lived. … Thank you for being the best father any of us could have asked for. We love you; we miss you, and we will continue to make you proud.

Cremation has taken place and there will be a private memorial at a later date. He with be laid to rest at the Lyons Municipal Cemetery in Lyons Kansas.