Walter Edward Johnson

Walter Edward Johnson passed from this world on Wednesday, July 28, 2021. He was65 years old. Walt was a big teddy bear of a man with a great booming voice and agreater heartfelt laugh. He was a force of nature. Everyone who knew him surely hasat least one great Walt story to tell. He loved his family, his friends and his work.Walt grew up in Southern California, the eldest of four children. He learned, early on,how to delegate, lead and tease. His brother and two sisters helped ignite a life’s workof management skills that were perfected, like a fine wine, over time. Twelve years ofCatholic School and teen years as a Police Explorer, working at “Danny’s Dogs” and asmall security helped form Walt into a kind and gentle man who was always willing tohelp others. Joining the Air Force after high school honed him and thrust Walt into thelifelong passion of his work. Decades later, one could ask Walt any question aboutanything in power generation (or any topic, actually!) and if he didn’t know the answerWalt would research until he found the answer then add that information to the alreadymassive arsenal in his big brain.

As he aged, Walt resigned himself to not having grandchildren. But, even though theystarted late, his children did not disappoint. Josh and his wife, Lorena, gifted Walt withhis first grandchild, Emma, six years ago. And, almost three years ago, Cheya and herhusband, Eric, gifted him with Lily. These two little girls captured Walt’s heart and hewas so in love! He loved being a PawPaw…Just ask anyone who talked with him formore than five minutes.

Walt and his wife, Diana, were thrilled when their children relocated to Houston to benear them. Having their children and their families close was a priority to Walt.When Walt beat colon cancer at the age of 35 his one goal was to stay alive to see hischildren grow up. He made that goal. When Walt beat Kidney cancer at age 56 hisgoal was to have the family together in Houston. He made that goal. When Walt was inBaton Rouge General Hospital battling pneumonia and blood clots from Covid-19 hisgoal was to come home to his family. He did not make that goal.

His family and friends are grieved to no end knowing they must continue on this planetwithout Walt. His brilliance and knowledge were vast and only overshadowed by hiscapacity to love. But, we are confident in the knowledge of where he is and we will bereunited one day. Walt’s family and friends will see that smile and hear that laugh whenwe arrive at the pearly gates of heaven. Let’s just hope St. Peter hasn’t given Walt thekeys that day…

Walt’s Genover Family has graciously opened education funds for Walt’sgranddaughters, Emma and Lily. Therefore, in lieu of flowers, please see the belowlisted “gift give” links to the my529.org site. Walt would be overjoyed! God Bless!Emma https://gift.my529.org/E3SM54Lily https://gift.my529.org/HST4VR