John Walfrid Johnson

It is with deep sorrow that the family of John Johnson announces his passing on August 25, 2025, in Henderson, NV, at the age of 90. Born on May 25, 1935, in Marquette, MI, he was the devoted son of Walfrid and Luella Johnson.

John graduated from Marquette High School and furthered his education at Michigan Tech, earning an undergraduate degree in Chemistry. After he achieved a PhD in Chemical Physics from Washington State University. He was a passionate Chemist at the Oceanography Department of Texas A&M University for many years, where his dedication and unique skills were highly valued.

In his youth John loved to play hockey. His brother, Neil, said that John would use his skates when Neil was in the Marines. John would tell people how much fun he has playing on the intramural team, especially when they played at the prison against the prison team.

In between his undergraduate studies in 1960, John spent two years in the Army where the field artillery taught him “Atomic warhead assembly.” He spent his remaining time in Italy driving a truck which housed the atomic warhead followed by a large truck with a missile.

John was known for his adventurous spirit, his love for the outdoors, and his unwavering commitment to taking care of the environment. He will be remembered for his award of breaking the most bones while giving a tour on the Wichita National Wildlife Refuge, where he and his wife Elsie volunteered their time while living in Lawton, Oklahoma.

John spent his last working years working on Field Artillery contracts at Ft Sill, Oklahoma. After he retired, he moved to Henderson, Nevada where his daughter Elizabeth lived.

He is survived by his brother Neil and Neil’s wife Jonda, his sister Linda, his three children Kevin, Elizabeth, and Douglas, his grandchildren Daniel, Nicholas, and Erin, and three great-grandchildren Ezra, Roman, and Xara. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Alan, his wife Elsie, his grandson Michael, and his granddaughter Lauren.

A memorial service will be held at Marquette, MI at a later date, where his ashes will be buried along with his wife and grandson Michael.