Thomas D. Johnson, “TJ”, 79, of Lincoln, passed away Friday, March 23, 2018. Born to Dale and Opal (Matthews) Johnson on July 29th, 1938 in Pueblo, Colorado. Tom attended Centennial High School where, as a sophomore, he began working in radio and broadcasting until 1993. He joined the Navy in 1955, and was a radioman aboard two different ships. He also spent time on shore with the USO doing record hops for the service men and women. Tom was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1963. After the Navy, Tom had radio jobs in both Colorado and Indiana. In 1968, he moved to Omaha for a position at KBON and later KFAB, where he spent 25 years doing just a little bit of everything but is remembered most for his wonderful voice and his scoreboard show during the broadcasts of the Husker games. In 1993 he decided to leave KFAB for a job with the newly formed Nebraska Lottery where he remained for over 20 years as Media and Events Coordinator. Upon retirement, he was employed by CHI St. Elizabeth Regional Hospital as a part time employee in admissions.
During his professional life, he stayed very active with various causes. Tom helped start the SnoBall Softball tournament as a fundraiser for the March of Dimes-an event that went nationwide and brought in 6-7 million dollars. He stayed busy by serving on the March of Dimes, Junior Achievement of Omaha, being on the board of directors for the Kidney Foundation, Heart Association and American Cancer Society. He was also a member of Omaha Sportscasters Association, Nebraska Broadcasters Association, Wellington Greens Home Association of Lincoln as Vice President, Live and Learn Host, a Lincoln Volunteer TV Show and a first aid chairman with American Red Cross with the Wabash Valley Chapter. More leisure activities during his retirement included spending time with his wife, Darla, playing golf and having weekly get-togethers with neighbors and friends enjoying wine and entertaining guests.
Family members include his wife, Darla Grow, Lincoln, NE; daughters, Charwynne Brown, Thackerville, OK; Vickie Bischof, Omaha, NE; Tara (Cris) Johnson-Medinger, Portland, OR; Stepsons, Shawn (Katie) Madden, Omaha, NE; Garrett Matuska, San Francisco, CA; 10 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by his parents; brother, Dale Johnson; sister, Gail Johnson-Brown.
Services will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday, April 5 at Roper and Sons South Lincoln Chapel, 3950 Hohensee Drive, (40th and Yankee Hill Rd.) Lincoln, NE.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to “TJ’s Tree Account”, Wellington Greens, 7600 Old Post Rd., 68506.