29-03-2025
Bryan County Sheriff Johnny Christian has died; Governor, others offer condolences.
Bryan County Sheriff Johnny Christian has died at his home in Durant, and Gov. Kevin Stitt offered condolences and praised his service to law enforcement in a Facebook post Saturday afternoon.
"He was a fantastic law & order sheriff who will be deeply missed by his community. Praying for his family and our friends in Bryan County," the governor posted about the sheriff's death, first reported by KXII-TV in Sherman, Texas.
No cause of death has been released, but the Bryan County Sheriff's Office said it was unexpected. Christian was 58.
Christian, a fourth-generation Bryan County resident, was serving his third term as sheriff. He was first elected in 2016 and reelected in 2020 and 2024, the sheriff's office said on Facebook. The post included his photo, the image of a badge bearing a "thin blue line" banner representing law and order, and the headline:
"END OF WATCH: March 28, 2025."
"Sheriff Christian became a legend in Oklahoma law enforcement and brought decades of experience and proven leadership to the Sheriff's Office," the agency said. "We are deeply saddened and shocked at the death of Sheriff Christian.
"We are forever grateful for the work he tirelessly provided to keep the citizens of Bryan County safe and protected. He was a gentle giant who was a shining example to hundreds of officers across the state."
The Durant Police Department posted on Facebook: "Sheriff, for so many years, you have been an inspiration, a partner, and a mentor to many of us. Thank you for your many years of service to our country, state, county, and city. Today, Earth lost a great man, but Heaven gained a superior protector. We all know you'll stand your post proudly at those pearly gates. Semper Fi Sheriff!"
Christian was a decorated U.S. Marine and served as a paratrooper, field radio operator, and forward observer. Before becoming sheriff, he served for 25 years in the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.
Staff writer Richard Mize covers Oklahoma County government and the city of Edmond. He previously covered housing, commercial real estate and related topics for the newspaper and starting in 1999. Contact him at rmize@
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Bryan County Sheriff Johnny Christian has died at home in Durant, OK
