| Graduation Year | Class of 1976 |
| Date of Passing | May 04, 2016 |
| About | Charles Stanfill Johnston, 58, died in Tulsa, May 4, 2016. Charles’ great passion was teaching music to elementary school children. He loved going to work each day to play games and dance with his students. For the past 11 years he taught at Rosa Parks Elementary in the Union School District. A yearly highlight was an evening at the Opera for 5th grade students. He taught students the story, shared the music they would hear and educated them on proper Opera etiquette. Charles touched the lives of thousands of students throughout his illustrious 35 year career. Charles was active with a number of performing arts and social justice organizations over the years. These included Tulsa Opera, Arts, and Humanities Council of Tulsa, Civic Music Association of Oklahoma City, Oklahomans for Equality, and PFLAG. Supporting aspiring young Opera singers through the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions Program was a particular passion. Charles was born to Chuck and Barbara (Stanfill) Johnston in Oklahoma City. He graduated high school in Fairfield, CA in 1976 and went on to graduate from Oklahoma Christian College with his bachelors’ degree in music education in 1981. He and his former wife and friend, Susan Hammond had twin sons, Brian and Daniel Johnston in 1982. Charles was very proud of both of his sons and their accomplishments. In 1999, Charles met Kelly Kirby of Tulsa, OK, his soul mate for 17 years. They married in 2008. Charles and Kelly shared many interests including Opera, live theatre, and old movies. The especially enjoyed frequent travel, particularly their yearly trips to Hawaii, San Diego, New York, and Washington D.C. He adored his grandchildren Allison and Orion. Charles was an excellent and creative chef. His epicurean creations delighted many of his friends and family. He derived great pleasure preparing new recipes for guests. Charles possessed a wry sense of humor, believed strongly in family and embraced his evolving faith. Charles was predeceased by his parents and grandparents; son Daniel; daughter-in-law Tara, and granddaughter Allison Johnston Survivors include husband Kelly Kirby of the home; five children, Brian Johnston, Oklahoma City; Breck Kirby (Rachael), Tulsa; Rachel Kirby, Tulsa; Nathan Kirby (Liz), Waterbury, CT; Erin Kirby (Jon Rudin), Denton, TX; brothers John Johnston (Jaylene), Tulsa; David Johnston (Laura), Oklahoma City; grandson Orion Kirby, and a large extended family. |
