Late NSU Coach Leon Johnson Survived By Wife Of 61 Years, Four Children, Grandchildren, And Great-Grandchildren

Leon Johnson and his wife, Elaine, built a life that touched the hearts of countless people.

June 19, 2026

This article was last updated by Manoj Gadtaula on June 19, 2026

Charlie Leon Johnson, a famous track and field coach at Northwestern State University, greatly impacted athletics and touched many hearts.

Born on August 5, 1939, in Elmore City, Oklahoma, Leon’s journey was one of dedication, passion, and family.

At the center of his personal life was his devoted wife, Daphne Elaine Waters, whom he married on December 27, 1963.

Together, they built a life filled with love, family, and service, creating a legacy that continues to inspire.

Leon met Daphne Elaine Waters while attending the University of Southwestern Louisiana (now the University of Louisiana at Lafayette).

Elaine, a Lafayette native and 1963 graduate of Lafayette High School, was the daughter of a close-knit community.

After their marriage, Elaine pursued her education at Northwestern State University and later worked as a rural letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service.

Her dedicated support allowed Leon to pour his heart into coaching, teaching, and mentoring young athletes.

They raised four children—Charlie Dean, Kendon, Darla, and Molly—while enduring the deep loss of their infant daughter, Margaret.

Through joys and sorrows, Leon and Elaine remained a united front, their bond serving as the foundation for their family’s strength.

Leon Johnson’s 31 Years As Head Coach Of Northwestern State’s Track And Field Were Remarkable

From 1982 to 2013, he transformed the Demons and Lady Demons into national powerhouses, mentoring 57 All-Americans, nearly 100 NCAA championship qualifiers, and two Olympians—triple jumpers LaMark Carter (2000 Sydney Games) and Kenta Bell (2004 Athens and 2008 Beijing Games).

In 1986, he founded the Lady Demons track and field program, which saw Trecey Rew claim the 2011 NCAA Outdoor Discus championship under his guidance.

Yet, despite his professional accolades, Leon’s family remained his greatest pride.

His son Dean followed in his footsteps as an NSU assistant coach, while Kendon, Darla, and Molly grew into their own paths, supported by their parents’ love.

Elaine, often behind the scenes, was the glue that held the family together, cheering on Leon’s athletes and nurturing their children, as well as their many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Born to Cecil and Lillian Pense Johnson in Elmore City, Oklahoma, Leon grew up alongside siblings Cecil Dale, Roy, Jesse Ruth, Betty Sue, Laflora, Patricia, and Glenda.

After graduating from Elmore City High School in 1958 and earning his bachelor’s degree in health and physical education in 1963, Leon began a 52-year career in teaching and coaching.

He coached basketball and track at high schools in Colorado and Louisiana before settling at Northwestern State.

He was a devoted deacon at the Grand Ecore Church of Christ for four decades and a passionate volunteer for the Louisiana Special Olympics, the American Heart Association, and the American Cancer Society.

He also played a key role in bringing the Louisiana High School Athletic Association’s Cross Country State Championships to Natchitoches, where it has remained for over 30 years.

Even after retiring in 2013, Leon continued to give back, serving as a volunteer assistant and advisor for Northwestern’s men’s basketball team under coach Mike McConathy.

His insights on flexibility and conditioning benefited countless student-athletes, and his wisdom left a lasting impact on the program.

Leon Johnson Passed Away On Tuesday, June 17, 2026

Leon Johnson passed away at 86 after a brief illness, leaving behind a legacy that spans athletics, community, and family.

Leon Johnson speaking to the media regarding his selection as an inductee into the Southland Conference Hall (source: )

His induction into the Southland Conference Hall of Honor in 2017 and the naming of the Leon Johnson Coach of the Year award reflect his profound impact on the sport.

Yet, to those who knew him, Leon was more than a coach—he was a mentor, a friend, and a family man.

, at 3:00 p.m. in Magale Recital Hall at Northwestern State University, with interment at American Cemetery.

Visitation is scheduled for Saturday, June 21, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home.

The Johnson family has expressed gratitude to The Courtyard of Natchitoches, Natchitoches Hospice, Northwestern State University, and the countless athletes and friends who supported Leon.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Leon Johnson Track Scholarship through the Demons Unlimited Foundation, ensuring that Leon’s passion for nurturing young athletes lives on.

Leon Johnson and his wife, Elaine, built a life that touched the hearts of countless people.

Their love, faith, and dedication continue to inspire, proving that true greatness lies in the lives you uplift and the family you cherish.

Rest in peace, legend.

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