Obituary of Pastor Louis W. Johnson

JOHNSON, Louis W., longtime resident of Tucson, AZ, passed away on Wednesday, August 31, 2016 at the age of 95. Pastor Johnson, born in Paducah, KY, attended Arlington Baptist Seminary in 1954-58, and came to Tucson in July 1958 to begin Tucson Baptist Temple. Starting out in Pueblo Gardens Elementary School, the congregation grew quickly and passionately, bringing news about God's love throughout the community. In 1961, the church bought property on Columbus Blvd., just south of 22nd Street, and built a small chapel. That chapel now houses the church's Spanish speaking congregation. Additions include a two-storied sanctuary and several free standing Sunday School buildings on the 13.5 acre campus. Louis pastored the church his entire career and retired in 2008 after 50 years. "I've never had the urge to live or pastor anywhere else," he often said. "I consider Tucson to be the best place on Earth, inhabited by the best people on Earth."

Ask any congregate what they might name as the greatest contribution that Louis Johnson made to their lives in his 50 years as a pastor and they likely will say that it is his endless reservoir of positiveness and faith in Christ. His encouragement was boundless; his belief that we are here to share a strength that comes from knowing a personal God never faltered. So many parishioners commented that they might have come to him with a downtrodden spirit, but they left him believing that they could conquer whatever difficulty they carried in. He rose above circumstances and found opportunities and he helped others do the same.

Knowing that his final task in this life would be to prepare his congregation, family, and friends for his promotion to his heavenly home, he often told them, "One day you'll hear that Louis Johnson is no more. Don't you believe it! I will be more alive than I've ever been before. You'll find me walking the streets of gold in my pin-striped Loui' Roth robe, laughing and singing with the saints. I'll see you there!" In times of paralyzing sorrow, he was ever the comforter.

Pastor is preceded in death by Della, his wife of 57 years, who was his greatest earthly love and secret weapon in his ministry and life, who died in 2003. Also preceding him is their second son, Dennis, who died in 1964 at age 17. Survivors include oldest son Tommy Alquist, his wife Donna and two children, Louis' second son Frank Johnson, his wife Lucy, and their four children, and his only daughter Joy Johnson-LeBarge. Additionally, Louis has 14 great- grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren.

Celebration of the Life of Pastor Johnson will be held at Tucson Baptist Church, 1525 S. Columbus Blvd., in Tucson, on Saturday, September 10, 2016. A pre-funeral Viewing will be from noon until 2:00 p.m., with the Funeral Service commencing directly afterward. The service will be led by Rev. Jim Howard, with many of Louis' friends contributing.

Louis will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife at South Lawn Cemetery. Memorial gifts may be sent to the Louis Johnson Memorial Fund in care of Tucson Baptist Church.