Tommy Johnson

Natchitoches resident and educator, Dr. Tommy G. Johnson, 77 years of age, died Friday morning after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was born March 09, 1937 in Otis, LA, but later moved and was a long time resident of Natchitoches, Louisiana and was active in his community both in service and in government throughout the years. Dr. Johnson was a life-long educator; receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Northwestern State University of Louisiana and his Doctorate degree from Arizona State University before returning to his alma mater where he served as the head of the Business Education and Office Administration Department. An innovator in education, Dr. Johnson was nationally recognized in his field as a Past President of the National Business Education Association and known as a strong student advocate. He was a pioneer in many modern educational programs that are standards today. He touched many lives in a positive way in is his professional career. He was a member of the Kiwanis International and advisor of the NSU Circle K student service organization during his tenure at Northwestern. Johnson was also active in his spiritual community serving as a deacon in both the First Baptist and Trinity Baptist Churches of Natchitoches. After retirement Tommy was active in the Natchitoches Genealogical Society and was one of the founders of and served on the Five State El Camino East-West Corridor Commission devoted to and advocating for the improvement and beautification of our national highways. Beyond the aesthetic value, his service on the commission contributed to economic development that touched many lives. Dr. Johnson was preceded in death by his mother Cleo Lewis Johnson, father Cecil Millard Johnson and son Eric Thomas Johnson. He is survived by wife Elizabeth Johnson, daughter Martha Hubbs and husband Chris, son Patrick W. Johnson, Sr. as well as sister Shasta Daniels and four grandchildren, Erica Hubbs, Richard Johnson, Mahalie LeFranc and Walker Johnson. Viewing will be from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home of Natchitoches, Louisiana on Monday December 29, 2014. Funeral Services will be held from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm on Tuesday, December 30, 2014 at the First Baptist Church of Natchitoches, Louisiana. Interment services will be held at 1:30 pm on Tuesday, December 30, 2014 in the Dewill Cemetery located in the St. Clair Community, Rapides, Parish, Louisiana. Family and friends are encouraged to make donations in memorial in lieu of flowers to the NSU Foundation at 535 University Parkway, Natchitoches, LA 71497 should they choose. Outreach from friends and colleagues has been overwhelming and greatly appreciated by the family.