Yuba, Oklahoma -- M.J. "Steve" Johnston, 85, of Yuba, Oklahoma passed away May 18, 2013.  He was born July 1, 1927, in Prairie View, Oklahoma, as the eldest son of Marcus George and Rosie Nell (McEuen) Johnston.

Beginning his 85 plus years just prior to the great depression, Steve survived those lean years, the dust bowl--while losing many of his aunts, uncles and cousins due to their mass exit to California, and the WWII years where he was called up just days after his high school graduation and 18th birthday only to be sent home immediately from OKC when the war ended. 

After a brief stay as a young adult in Colleyville, Texas, he returned home with his young family and rarely strayed far.  Steve worked in many professions--to name a few:  Farmer/rancher, school bus driver, General Cable Corp., Floyd's, Bryan County and finally the VFW in Denison, Texas.   

Steve was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Betty Ann (Dykes) Johnston; his grandson, Scott Alexander; and his sister Lucille Cowart. He is survived by his loving wife of 15 years, Joyce (Ray) Johnston; his daughter, Joyce Alexander and son-in-law Winfred Alexander; daughter, Mary Little and son-in-law Rick Little; and daughter, Deborah Nevling; his brother, Parkie Johnston and sister-in-law, Johanna Johnston; grand daughters, Sheri Etter and Stephanie Townsend; great grand daughter, Saegen Ellis; niece Amelia Cowart; nephews Brad and Jeff Johnston; great nephew, Deacon Johnston; and great niece, Avery Jo Johnston.

Family night will be Monday evening at 7:00 p.m. and funeral services at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 21, at Cunningham's Funeral Chapel, 113 Burney, Colbert, OK 74733.  580-296-2262