A2 | THE DAILY NEWS | Tuesday, February 16, 2021 Celebrating 178 Years GALVESTON COUNTY, TEXAS

OBITUARY | WILLIAM M. JOHNSON Master gardener, Daily News columnist William Johnson dies at 70

By JOHN WAYNE ed Johnson for the universi- “I teased him each year FERGUSON ty’s award. that after he retired, he The Daily News The Galveston County would probably open up » GALVESTON master gardener program the Dr. Johnson Manners is recognized as one of the School in the business com- Dr. William Johnson, a most innovative and pro- munity or corporate world,” well-known and respected lific programs of its kind Kelso said horticulturist, teacher and in the United States, and county extension agent, the monthly newsletter the He never retired. died Friday. A cause of group publishes rivals com- In his final column, death wasn’t immediately mercial magazines, Wilker- published Feb. 9, Johnson given. son said. opined on whether people He was 70 years old. More than that, Johnson who schedule their plants Johnson was the ad- was nice person, Wilkerson by the phases of the moon ministrator of the county’s said. are following hocus-pocus AgriLife Extension Office, He was honest and forth- or have latched onto some an education service man- right,” Wilkerson said. “He age-old wisdom. was selfless. He was quite aged by Texas A&M Uni- Lunar scheduling wasn’t versity to share knowledge the leader. You would never hear William brag on him- part of the education he about a number of agricul- received in earning a doc- ture-related topics. He be- self. He would always brag torate in plant pathology, he gan running the extension on his staff and on other wrote. office in 1997. JENNIFER REYNOLDS/The Daily News file photo p e opl e.” Born in Virginia, John- William M. Johnson, who has been the Texas A&M AgriLife extension agent for Johnson was also a regu- “I would not castigate, son attended the University Galveston County for 28 years, was awarded the agency’s Superior Service Award lar columnist for The Gal- however, anyone who of Maryland and received for Distinguished Career in 2016. veston County Daily News. plants by moon phases,” His Green Thumb column Johnson wrote. “I find that a doctorate degree in plant veston, Johnson helped Career. The award is giv- “Knowledge not shared is pathology from Oklaho- ran the gamut on topics condemning an age-old guide tremendous growth en to people “based upon knowledge lost,” Yarbrough around planting advice, ma State University before practice, which has not of the county’s extension outstanding professional said. from when people should making his way to Texas. been undoubtedly proven programs. growth, program effec- In 2018, Johnson re- do their seasonal plantings During his time in Gal- In 1989, there were nine tiveness, leadership ability, ceived the Regents Fellow to the danger of stinging or disproved, is risky and participants in the Galves- loyalty to Extension work, Service Award from Texas caterpillars, to differences foolish.” ton County Master Gar- and civic and community A&M University, one of in plants that make a tree a Not everything strange Note to readers dener program. In recent involvement.” the college’s highest honors. tree and a shrub a shrub. is wrong, he said. Potatoes years, there have been more In 2017, he was honored The award recognizes sys- Mary Lou Kelso, of Gal- grown in a lab will still ex- n Because of the than 200 active certified for his work by the Gal- tem employees who have veston, worked with John- hibit a growth rhythm that extreme winter master gardeners, who as a veston City Council with a provided exemplary pro- son through the Master reflects the lunar pattern, storms The Daily group volunteer more than proclamation and honorary fessional service to society Gardener program for News printed before he wrote before wishing his 30,000 hours annually. holiday. that has created large and more than 20 years. Kelso readers good luck. Monday’s Texas Johnson also led teams Former Galveston Mayor lasting benefits to Texas and said Johnson was known “May the moon, good lottery numbers were of experts diagnosing tree Jim Yarbrough said John- beyond. for his motivational sayings, weather and common released. Go to www. and plant problems on the son “made a significant dif- Johnson was an accom- including insisting every- txlottery.org for the Gulf Coast after hurricanes, ference” to the community. plished horticulturist, au- one in his classes get along sense make your 2021 gar- latest game numbers. floods and freezes. “Every corner of the thority in entomology and with each other and treat dening efforts an enjoyable In 2011, he was honored county has benefited from plant pathology, said Don their colleagues and class- and successful endeavor,” by the National Associa- his programs, his expertise, Wilkerson, a professor and mates with respect. Johnson wrote. DIRECTORY tion of County Agricultur- his dedication to efforts and extension specialist at Tex- “Everybody needed to Subscriber service al Agents, which awarded details,” Yarbrough said, at as A&M University and bring something to the ta- John Wayne Ferguson: 409- Open 6 a.m.- 5 p.m. him its Superior Service the time. colleague of Johnson’s for ble” was one of Johnson’s 683-5226; john.ferguson@galvnews. Monday -Friday. Award for Distinguished Johnson’s motto was many years, who nominat- sayings , Kelso said. com or on Twitter @johnwferguson. Call 409-683-5201 Missed paper deliveries EDUCATION | ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE 6 a.m. -10 a.m., Monday-Friday; 7 a.m.-11 a.m. on weekends; 7 Elementary School for a one of the highest honors in efforts are made each day economically disadvantaged, Dickinson school National Blue Ribbon Honor. American education. to ensure that all Calder the district said. a.m. -10 a.m. on holidays. Report nominated for It was the only Galveston The Dickinson School Road Elementary students The school will have to missed papers at 409-683-5201. County school, and one of was nominated in the latter are actively engaged and complete an application Office location Blue Ribbon honor only three Houston-area category. continuously monitored so and submit it to the U.S. 8522 Teichman Road, » DICKINSON schools, to be nominated. “We are extremely proud that they reach their highest Department of Education. Galveston 77554 A Dickinson elementary The National Blue of the students and staff at potential.” National award winners will Ribbon Schools program Calder Road Elementary,” Texas nominates schools be announced in September. school was one of 26 Mailing address recognizes public and private Superintendent of Schools for the award based on their Winners of the National P.O. Box 628, Texas schools nominated elementary, middle and Carla Voelkel said. performance in standardized Blue Ribbon award are Galveston 77553 Thursday for a national high schools that have high “They work tirelessly testing. Schools nominated honored in a ceremony in honor recognizing academic Contact us student achievement or have to provide high-quality all have student populations Washington D.C. and the excellence and success in made exemplary progress instruction, which has closed that are at least 25 percent school will receive a plaque Main: 409-683-5200 closing achievement gaps. in closing achievement gaps achievement gaps. Their economically disadvantaged. and flag signifying the Circulation: 409-683-5201 Texas Gov. Greg Abbott among students. selection by Gov. Abbott is At Calder Road Elementary, achievement. Advertising: 409-683-5202 nominated Calder Road The award is considered such an honor. Outstanding 57 percent of students are — John Wayne Ferguson Classified: 409-683-5301 Newsroom: 409-683-5205 Online QUESTION OF THE WEEK | RESULTS GOVERNMENT | PURRING POLITICO galvnews.com UK’s chief mouser But it seems like yesterday imagination is clear — and Applause Question of the Week that Larry was just another political leaders know Applause accepts submissions Should Galveston deny requests for events celebrates 10 years cat — as opposed to a better than to ignore that about awards, honors and that could disturb or harm local wildlife? on the prowl media superstar — said popularity. The tomcat community items pertaining to Lindsey Quinlan, the head of was a sentimental topic of Galveston County residents and 82.1% Yes, it’s important that we Associated Press cattery of Battersea. conversation in Cameron’s “Throughout his time final appearance in events. Items will be accepted protect our natural resources and local » at Number 10, Larry has Parliament as prime minister at the discretion of the wildlife. Larry the cat, a four- proven himself to not only when he said he wanted community news editor and 17.9% No, the city needs the revenue legged inhabitant of and tourists that big events bring. be a brilliant ambassador to quash a rumor that — are subject to editing. Email London’s 10 Downing St., for Battersea but also perish the thought — he [email protected]. Or is marking a decade as demonstrated to millions didn’t like Larry. call 409-683-5239. OBITUARIES | TODAY’S DEATHS Britain’s mouse-catcher in of people around the world And just to prove it, he chief on Monday. Donald Eugene Flanagan Jr., 46, of Crosby how incredible rescue cats whipped out evidence: a READER SERVICE The tabby cat was Johnny Martinez Sr., 60, of League City are,’’ she said. “His rags to picture of Larry lying on his Dedicated to the growth and recruited by then-Prime La Verne Constant McDonald, 84, of Texas City riches tale is yet more proof lap. progress of Galveston County. Minister to Richard O. Seeton, 73, of Jacksonville of why all animals deserve After the December 2019 Published daily by Galveston deal with a pack of rats seen For today’s obituaries » C1 a second chance — one election, rumors swirled that Newspapers Inc., 8522 Teichman scuttling close to the British minute they may be an Larry might be headed for Road, Box 628, Galveston, Texas DAILY VESSEL REPORT leader’s official residence, overlooked stray on the retirement with the news 77553. USPS 213400. Periodical and entered Downing Street streets, the next they could that the new prime minister, postage paid at Galveston, Texas. Vessels in Port as of noon Monday, Feb. 15, 2020 on Feb. 15, 2011. become one of the nation’s , was a dog Pier Assignment Vessel Name Activity in Port The former stray, adopted beloved political figures, man. However, despite the THE DAILY NEWS from London’s Battersea Pier 18 Star Standard Cargo with fans around the world.” prime minister moving PUBLISHER Dogs and Cats Home, was Larry, who has met a Jack Russell cross Dilyn LEONARD WOOLSEY Pier 26 7-Oceans Lay [email protected] given the title Chief Mouser number of world leaders, into Downing Street, Larry EDITOR Pier 28 Eagle Kinabalu Lay to the Cabinet Office, an has been largely unfriendly remained in office. MICHAEL A. SMITH unofficial pest control post. to men but took a liking to Pier 30/32 Pacific Bulker Cargo — Associated Press [email protected] He was the first cat to hold former U.S. President Barack REVENUE DIRECTOR Pier 34 Albert II Lay the rat-catching portfolio Obama. When former AMY SCOTT since the retirement of President Donald Trump OMG! [email protected] CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Heater not working? in 1997, and has visited in 2019, Larry took a YVONNE MASCORRO Give us a call for repairs and replacement! loyally served three prime nap under his car. DISCOUNT [email protected] ministers. His grip on the public BUSINESS MANAGER Call us today! 2bacco & BEER MISTY WARNER [email protected] We are in your AIR CONDITIONING HEATING REFRIGERATION @4101 CHURCH MEDIA & TECHNOLOGY DIRECTOR TACLA15714C neighborhood! KEVIN M. 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