Thomas Phillip Johnson
September 13, 1935 – July 21, 2017
Thomas Phillip Johnson was born the youngest of five siblings on September 13, 1935, to Henry Fred and Lizetta Johnson in Louisville, KY. He was baptized and confirmed at Redeemer Lutheran Church. Tom attended Lutheran High School in Cleveland, OH. On his eighteenth birthday as a freshman at Valparaiso University, Tom was introduced to Adrienne Horstman. They were joined in marriage on June 22, 1957, at Concordia Lutheran Church in Maplewood, MO. They recently celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary.
Grounded in knowing Jesus as his Savior, Tom had determination coupled with humility, compassion, and a wonderful sense of humor. Throughout a career that spanned classrooms to boardrooms, he taught, mentored, led, and coached countless people, encouraging them to be their best. He brought wisdom and kindness to every situation. Tom cherished his family, shared Jesus with his children and grandchildren, and lived his faith in his daily life.
In 1958, Tom began his career as a classroom teacher and coach in Valparaiso, IN. In 1962, Tom and Adrienne moved to St. Louis where he taught civics and coached football and basketball at Lutheran High School South. In 1965, Tom left the classroom to join Concordia Publishing House where he rose to the rank of first vice president. Tom went on to serve as company president at two different manufacturing companies, one of which earned the distinction of Small Business of the Year. He also worked at AAIM Management Association and the Association of General Contractors.
From early on and well into retirement Tom was a generous volunteer. He served as Congregation President of the Lutheran Church of Webster Gardens, International President of the American Management Society, Chairman of the Board of AAIM Management Association, Chairman of the Board of Christ Community Lutheran School, and Board Member of Lutheran Senior Services. Tom was also a Sunday School teacher, Senior Fellowship ministry team leader and driver for the Good Shepherd Center.
Tom is survived by his wife Adrienne; four children: Kathleen (Keith) Odegard, David (Dorothy) Johnson, Craig (Marcia) Johnson, Richard (Lydia) Johnson; 12 grandchildren: Amy (Kaleb), Timothy, Stephen (Krista), Martina, Melanie (Aaron), Dean (Rebecca), Victoria, Virginia (Benjamin), Emily, Adrienne, Natalie, and Kathryn; one great-granddaughter: Mackenzie; sister-in-law Mary Johnson; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Reverend Robert and Marion Hentz; and nieces and nephews.
SERVICES: Visitation at Kutis Affton Chapel 10151 Gravois Road, Tuesday, July 25, 4-8 pm then taken to Lutheran Church of Webster Gardens for visitation Wednesday, July 26 at 10:00 am until service at 11:00 am Interment St. Trinity Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Lutheran Church of Webster Gardens Endowment Fund. www.kutisfuneralhomes.com