Leslie Kirk Courson was born on August 28, 1956 in Pampa, Texas to Harold Courson and Joyce (Denny) Doran. He graduated from Broken Arrow High School and The University of Texas in Austin. He spent as much time honing his water-skiing talents and perfecting his skills on the skeet and trap range as he did on campus. Adulthood was calling, so he left Austin, donned a suit and tie and went to work for Courson Oil & Gas in 1984, where he remained until his death operating multiple oil and gas companies.

His passion for archeology resulted in several state archeological field schools, the extensive excavation of the famed “Buried City” and the development of Courson Archeological Research.

His quest for anything with fins, feathers or fur took him many places around the globe. His passion began with spearfishing in Oklahoma’s lower Spavinaw Creek, then later lead to numerous Alaskan and Canadian fishing adventures and multiple trips to favorite sail fishing destinations in Guatemala and South America. He loved the thrill of hunting in Africa, which he visited eight times. The sport of wing shooting trumped all and let to pursuits in Argentina, Uruguay and to classic quail plantations in the southern United States. The favorite, however, was found close to home chasing the illusive Bob White Quail. A Kennel full of birddogs was the norm, and watching beautiful dog work and hearing a covey rise were experiences he never tired of. Conservation and responsible wildlife management was important to Kirk and he worked closely with the Texas Department of Parks & Wildlife to improve outdoor experiences for future generations.

His time in Austin lent itself to the love of music. He was a fan of Willie Nelson and Texas songwriters and musicians. On Kirk’s 50th birthday, he and his wife, Krista, began a journey to enjoy music legends from Bozeman, Montana to Nashville, Tennessee. They experienced more than 20 live performances over the years.

Burnt orange ran in his veins, but the family’s love for Oklahoma State University finally converted him to wear the bright orange on Saturdays, where he always enjoyed the game day experience with family and friends.

Kirk passionately served his community in many directorship roles with the Perryton CDC, First Bank Southwest, Interstate Bank, The Perryton Club, Top of Texas Rural Rail Transportation District, the Texas Historical Commission and his beloved Ochiltree General Hospital for 37 years.

Proceeding him in death are his step-father, Dr. Kendrick Doran, half-brother, Dr. Kip Doran, brother, Kent Courson and step-mother, Joyce Courson. He is survived by wife, Krista, of Perryton, daughter, Brandie Nicholas (Troy) of Missouri City, daughter, Halston Johnson (Ryan) of Perryton, granddaughters, Taylor and Parker Nicholas of Missouri City, and grandsons, Reeve and Ridge Johnson of Perryton, father, Harold Courson (Susan) of Perryton, and mother, Joyce Doran of Spearman. Many friends, in-laws and nieces and nephews also had a special place in Kirk’s heart.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 8, 2024 at 10 am at the Perryton Junior High School auditorium. Memorials are appreciated to Ochiltree General Hospital Foundation (3101 Garrett Drive) or Ochiltree County 4-H (402 Expo Drive) in Perryton.