Lester George “Les” Johns, 95, of Enid, Oklahoma, passed away Wednesday, January 7, 2026, in his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Lester was born at home in Blackwell, in the Smelter Heights, to Victor and Velma Johns. He attended Blackwell Public Schools, until completing the tenth grade – when he joined the US Army at the age of sixteen. He served in the Korean War, where he was a paratrooper for the 11th Airborne Division.

Following his service, Lester joined the workforce in the oilfields; starting at the very bottom, and working long, hard hours. Sometimes, not seeing his family for months at a time. He ended his legendary career at the age of 87, as a Drilling Consultant-Expert in downhole operations and well control.

Lester loved to hunt and fish, especially in Alaska with his sons, David and Butch. He was a member of the National Rifle Association, the American Legion, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, the International Order of Odd Fellows, and the 11th Airborne Association.

Preceded in death by his parents, Victor and Velma; one son, Jesse Johns; two brothers, Jody Johns and Terry Johns; a sister, Clariene Sulivan; son-in-law, Jim Diefenderfer; grandsons, Holden Hughes and Chris Diefenderfer; a great-granddaughter, Elizabeth Stephenson; and nephews, Troy Johns, Terry Joe Sulivan, Kenton Johns, and Howard Johns.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy Johns, of the home; his brothers: Vic Johns of Rush, Colorado, and Marvin Johns and wife Roxie of Newkirk, Oklahoma; sons: Lester Victor “Butch” Johns and wife Pam of Dutch John, Utah, and David Johns of Richfield, Utah; daughters: Christine Sorensen and spouse Jay of Richfield, Utah, Teresa Diefenderfer of Yuma, Arizona, and Alicia Hughes and boyfriend Bruce Beaver of Enid, Oklahoma; honorary daughters: Tracy Andrews and Kenzie Grauberger; sixteen grandchildren; fifty-two great-grandchildren; and ten great-great-grandchildren.

A Graveside Service has been scheduled for 2:00 PM, Monday, January 12, 2026, in the Blackwell Cemetery, with Rev. Roger Burns officiating.

Casketbearers include Jesse Shipp, Steven Johns, Hunter Hughes, Will Stephenson, Lester James Johns, Thomas Johns, Haylan Yergenson. Honorary Casketbearers include Joe Doshier, Donnie Johns, Wayne Porter, Tim Holder, Al Stearman, Sam Huff, Tom Brookey, Jim Upchurch, and David Horton.

A memorial has been established in his honor with Circle of Love Hospice c/o Roberts and Son Funeral Home, 120 West Padon Ave, Blackwell, Oklahoma 74631