Gone West: E.M. Johnson

E. M. Johnson, a founding member of the Texas Chapter Antique Airplane Association, died on May 1, 2011 after a lengthy illness. He was 94 and had been an avid aviation enthusiast since he was a child. By 12 years of age he combined his love of aviation with that of photography which enabled him to amass a comprehensive collection of aviation history and photographs during his lifetime. His photos, from the start, showed a talent for composition that allowed him to depict his subject matter with a minimum of shots.
This collection was not only extensive, it was well documented and cross referenced to an extent that will enable colleagues, museums and others with an interest in aviation history to avail them-selves of excellent reference material. A large portion of his collection has been donated to the Frontiers of Flight Museum in Dallas, Texas where it will be housed as the “E. M. Johnson Collection”.
E. M. worked in the aviation industry his entire career, until his retirement from Bell Helicopter in 1982. As well as his founding membership in the Texas Chapter, he was the State Director for, and a Lifetime Member of the National Antique Airplane Association at Blakesburg, Iowa. He was also a member of the EAA, the American Aviation Historical Society and the Frontiers of Flight Museum, at Dallas Love Field.
Longtime members of the AAA will remember E. M. and Grace hosting the annual Christmas Party at their home for many years where guests could talk with E.M. about everything aviation and his other interests, which included steam locomotives and pipe organs. Guests enjoyed listening to the music played on the Wurlitzer Pipe Organ installed in their home.
Predeceased by his Wife, Grace and his Sister Nadine Seeligson, he is survived by his Children; Brian Johnson, Carol Marcus, Dianne Johnson, and his Sister Louis Dinn and their families. Graveside Service was held at Sparkman-Hillcrest in Dallas and a Celebration of Life at the Frontiers of Flight Museum.
He has “Gone West” to rejoin many of his family, friends and colleagues who have gone that way before. E.M. Johnson was the consummate and quiet gentleman who will continue to have a place in the hearts of all who knew him.
 

- Dick Ramsey

Return to the Gone West List.