Otis Ancel Johnston

Otis Ancel Johnston, 90, of Houston, Texas, died peacefully on May 7, 2026. Otis was born in 1935 in Byars, Oklahoma, to Otis Sidney and Cleopatra Johnston. The youngest of four children, he graduated from Roff High School in 1954 and volunteered for the Army, where he served as an auto repairman, Specialist 3, from 1954 to 1957, and received a Good Conduct Medal. A gifted athlete, Otis played baseball for the Army and was recruited to play professional baseball, but chose to pursue an engineering career. He married his beloved wife, Lynda, in 1961, and together they raised two daughters, Lorri and Teddi.

Otis was known for his reliability and dedication to his career, working his way from an auto mechanic to an executive in Research and Development at Western Geophysical. A job that he treasured and devoted himself to. He was a pioneer in both land and offshore technology, holding more than 10 patents for oilfield exploration equipment and being one of the original innovators in the use of seismic vibrators for oil exploration. He expanded the use of seismic technology by helping develop a specialized unit for olive harvesting in Italy. He enjoyed working with young engineers as a consultant at the University of Texas in his later years. Otis was not just passionate about his work; he brought the same focus and determination to his golf game, and he was an excellent golfer. One of his favorite memories was of playing golf at the Old Course at St. Andrews in Scotland.

Otis was known for his dry sense of humor, unfailing generosity, and devoted love for his family, especially his mother, Cleo, and his wife, Lynda. His assistant, Cathy Petersen, knew to put any calls from Lynda through, no matter what he was doing or who he was with. Cathy called him the best boss she ever had. He was loved and admired by his daughters and by everyone who knew him.

Otis is survived by his best friend and older brother, Charles Sidney Johnston (92), his wife of 64 years, Lynda, his daughters, Lorri Curto and Teddi Pittman, and his grandchildren, Chelsea Curto, Stephen Curto, Paul Curto, Katie Clark, and Sarah McRae. Also, by his great-grandchildren, Rebekah Curto, Caleb Curto, and Jamie Clark, who was born the day after he passed, along with numerous nieces and nephews who loved him. He is preceded in death by his parents, Otis Sidney and Cleopatra Johnston, and his sisters Deahn Tilley and Yvonne Barrows.

Otis will be remembered at a graveside service at 11:00 on June 6, 2026, at Dora Cemetery in Konawa, Oklahoma, where his ashes will be interred. Those who wish to remember Otis with us are invited to attend. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the physicians and staff at 5NW Houston Methodist West Hospital, Willow Care Cottages, and Capstone Hospice for their patience and loving care for Otis during a difficult time.