Larry Alton Johnston of El Dorado, Arkansas passed away surrounded by family on Monday February 13, 2023, at the age of 75 after a long battle with dementia.
Larry was born on December 15, 1947, in Hope, Arkansas to Ellen Margaret and Alton Theodore (Punkin) Johnston. He graduated from Hope High School and received a degree in accounting from Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. Larry served in the Air Force for 4 years and the reserves for 2 years. He spent the majority of his career working for the Social Security Administration in El Dorado and Camden, Arkansas.
Larry was a giving person and always made sure family and friends had a good time. He lived life with a patient easy-going manner and often shared stories from his childhood and time spent in the Air Force, as well as life lessons and the occasional joke. Larry enjoyed fishing and hunting with his sons. He would have a blast in the summer time camping on the old river, fishing and just hanging out with his sons. He also enjoyed playing golf and spending time at the lake. He was a big kid at heart and had no problem going off the rope swing with the youngsters. Larry loved listening to music, especially the oldies. He enjoyed classic cars and cruising around in his 1969 Mercury Cougar that he purchased when he was in the Air Force. Larry also loved spending time with his three grandchildren. Most of all Larry was a great mentor, proud father, and a loving husband.
He is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his loving wife Emma of 52 years; 2 sons, Courtney of Beaumont, Texas, Andrew and wife Christine of Houston, Texas; three grandchildren, Nicolas (14) and Olivia (11) of Houston, Texas, and Lucas (11) of Beaumont, Texas; sister Priscilla Davis and husband Leon of Hot Springs, Arkansas; and several nephews, nieces, and cousins.
A memorial service will be held at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in El Dorado, AR on March 11, 2023, at 2 pm. Memorials can be made to either the Alzheimer’s Association or St. Mary’s Church in Larry’s name.