Bernard Johnson dies at age 83

For 18 years Johnson served as a member of the Board of Regents of the Texas State University System, and held the position of chairman from 1974 to 1976. He served as vice-chairman for two years prior to that time and again from 1982 through 1987.

Because of his expertise in the area of engineering, he was a valued adviser to SHSU president Elliott T. Bowers for numerous campus construction projects. He was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Philosophy Degree from Sam Houston State in December, 1987, and the Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum was named in his honor.

Johnson was a Houston civic leader and founder of the engineering and architectural firm that bore his name. He was born in Dallas and graduated from Houston's St. Thomas High School and Texas A&M, which later named him a distinguished alumnus.

He commanded a battalion of the U. S. Army's Signal Corps in World War II, was awarded the Bronze Star, and attained the rank of colonel.

He founded Bernard Johnson Inc. in 1947 and was its president for 40 years. He also served on the executive committee of the Houston Chamber of Commerce.

A devout Catholic, he was named Knight Commander of the Holy Sepulchre by Pope Paul VI, and was honored by the National Conference of Christians and Jews.

He was a member of the American Consulting Engineers Council, the National Society of Professional Engineers and the American Institute of Consulting Engineers.

Funeral services are under the direction of the J. B. Earthman-Tanglewood Funeral Home.

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SHSU Media Contact: Frank Krystyniak
May 13, 1999
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