Dean Francis Johnston

Johnston, Dean Francis (1923~2002) Dean F. Johnston, historian, journalist, and legislator, was born on July 10, 1923, in Fort Smith, Arkansas. After graduating from high school, Johnston became a bombardier aboard an Army-Air Corps B-29 over Japan, and later joined the Air Force reserve. After graduating from the University of Texas at Austin, Johnston served as a professor, historian, and journalist with tenure at The University of Houston and Lee Junior College of Baytown. In 1959-60 he served the State of Texas in the legislature arguing for civil rights and fairness for the working folks of Texas. He was at one time a Business representative for the refinery workers in the Baytown, Humble (Exxon) refinery. Upon his retirement, he and his wife, Wilma, returned to central Texas from whence they'd both come as graduates of The University of Texas, where they met. Johnston passed away on April 6, 2002, and was buried next to his wife in the Texas State Cemetery. Information taken from obituary, Austin American-Statesman, April 9, 2002.