Lee C Johnson

Lee Clair Johnson, age 93 of Oklahoma City, formerly of McAlester, and Lake Benton, Minn., passed away the morning of Friday, November 27th, 2015 at the home of his daughter, Jessica Gail Buchert after spending a memorable Thanksgiving holiday with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Lee was born on May 9, 1922 in Lake Benton, Minnesota to the late John Johnson and Jessie Birdsall Johnson. Lee married Conna Lee Dougherty during World War II. They were married for 25 years before divorcing, and raised a family of four children. Lee then married Betty Jo Smith Johnson, the love of his life, on September 10, 1981. They shared 34 years with much lively debate, love and laughter. Lee was a pilot during World War II and flew B24 bombers. After the war, he graduated from the University of Northwestern with a Bachelor’s Degree, and later with a Master’s Degree from Oklahoma City University. He worked for many years as a counselor for the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, and was the inaugural Director of the highly successful ODC Work Release program. He concurrently worked as a Baptist Minister of Music who was well known for his beautiful tenor voice, singing the tenor lead in many McAlester civic productions. Lee was a long time member of Putnam City United Methodist Church in Oklahoma City where he still taught Sunday School. Lee enjoyed hunting, fishing, and dog training. When he could no longer spend his days outdoors, he met almost daily with his beloved friends for coffee, greatly enjoying their lively discussions. Those who knew Lee will always remember his wit and charm, but particularly his knowledge of the bible and his love for Christ. Lee leaves behind a legacy of love for his family, dedication to work, and trust in the Lord to get him through it all. Lee is survived by his wife Betty Johnson, daughters, Linda Turman, Jessica Buchert and husband Kurt, and step-daughter Judy Ballard, husband Bud; two sons, Gregory Johnson and Mark Johnson, and by a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. Lee was preceded in death by 11 brothers and sisters.