Walter H. Johnson, 85, Spearfish and formerly of Newell, died Sunday, 02/12/2012, at the Spearfish Regional Hospital.

Memorial services will be 10 a.m. Friday, February 17, 2012, at the Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis with Pastor Del Neumeister officiating. Inurnment follows at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis with military honors by the Sturgis Veterans Honor Guard.

Walter was born August 28, 1926, at Clark, SD, to A.H. "Harold" and Alice (Petersen) Johnson. He was educated in Clark County country school and graduated from Clark High School in 1944. He was in the US Army from 1945 until 1947 serving in the Mediterranean theater.

Walt received a BS degree from SDSU in Agricultural Education in 1952 and his Masters Degree in Ag Education and Administration in 1963.

In 1952, Walt was hired as Vocational Agriculture Instructor for the Newell Schools in Newell, SD. He taught there until 1968. He became the High School Principal at Newell in 1963 until 1980. He was president of the Newell Education Association from 1952 until 1960.

He married Delores Divich on June 14, 1953 at Doland, SD.

He was President of the Vo-Ag Teachers Association from 1966 - 1967; voted SD Vocational Agriculture Teacher of the Year 1967 - 1968; Vo - Ag FFA Honorary State Farmer Award in 1968. In 1972, he recieved the Vo-Ag FFA Award for outstanding service to the Future Farmers of America, Newell FFA Chapter. In 1973, he received the Vo-Ag Award- Honorary District Farmer for District 5.

Walt served as Newell High School Activities Director from 1974 until 1980. He also served as a committee member of the Western SD High School Activities Association from 1963 until 1980 and served as their secretary from 1968 until 1980.

From 1975 until 1979, he was on the Advisory Committee of the Agriculture Education Department of South Dakota. He was a member of the SD High School Athletic Directors Association from 1978 until 1980.

In 1980 until 1981, he taught Vocational Agriculture for Meade 46-1 in Sturgis, SD, and served as President of the Vo-Ag Instructors for District 5.

Walt served as Superintendent of the Polo High School in Orient, SD from 1981 until 1988. He was inducted into Beadle Club in 1987 and became a life member of SDEA in 1963.

Walt retired from education in 1988 and returned to Newell with his wife De.

Walt enjoyed working with youth. From 1955 until 1980, he taught Fire Arms Hunter Safety in Newell. He coached youth baseball and started the youth softball program in the Newell area. He was a driving force in building the Newell softball/football complex and starting the men's softball association in Newell and the Northern Hills Area.

In 1956, he served as District 3 Softball Commissioner of South Dakota; was President of the State Association from 1959 until 1960 and 1967 until 1970. In 1986, he was inducted into the South Dakota Amateur Softball Hall of Fame for his work with softball as a coach, umpire and leader.

Walt was a member of the Newell Community Club from 1952 until 2003. He served as secretary and president several times. Walt and De were Labor Day Parade Marshalls in 1990. He served as secretary-treasurer of the Newell Ram Sale for 49 years. In 1998, he was awarded the silver belt buckle from the Club for his services to the community. He also served on the Newell Economic Development Corporation, the Newell Museum, American Legion, and the Newell PTA.

He was an active member of the Newell VFW, on the Board of New Dawn of Vale since 2000, member of the Butte County Historical Society, Newell Field and Home Happenings, High Plains Heritage Center of Spearfish, Masonic Lodge of Spearfish, Spearfish Senior Center, Secretary-Treasurer of the Newell FFA Alumni Association, and President of the FFA Foundation.

Walt was a field inspector for the South Dakota Crop Improvement Association, Brookings, SD since 1953.

He was a member and officer of the Newell Golf Club and assisted in building the course.

In 1992, Walt and De were presented the Sheep-O-Rama Award for their support of the sheep industryhaving never owned a sheep. In 1994, they were presented the "Friend of Education" Award from the Newell School and the Booster Club "Outstanding Fans" award in 1999. In 2004, they received a plaque from the Associated School Boards of South Dakota for their service to public education.

As a retired educator, he continued to work with the youth in the area. He assisted and coached FFA students with the judging activities. He served as a judge for Science Fairs, speech contests and county fairs.

Walt was an active member of the First Congregational Church in Newell for many years and served as moderator and trustee. He was a member of the First Congregational Church in Belle Fourche at the time of his death.

November 2, 2003 was proclaimed "Walt and De Johnson Day" by Newell Mayor Ken Wetz and former South Dakota Governor, Mike Rounds.

Although the Johnson's moved to Spearfish in November 2003, they continued to be active in the Newell School and Community Activities as well as those in the Spearfish area.

At the National FFA Convention in 2007, Walt was awarded the National American Degree for his 56 years of service to the FFA.

On August 28, 2009, on his 83rd birthday, Walt and his son, Mike, went on the Honor Flight to Washington, DC, for World War II Veterans.

Survivors include his wife, De Johnson, Spearfish; one son, Michael M. Johnson, Vermillion, SD; sister, Lucille Anderson, Fergus Falls, MN; brothers-in-law, Chris (Sue) Divich, San Antonio, TX, Duane (Phyllis) Divich, San Antonio, TX, and Dick (Jeane) Divich, Rapid City, SD.

Memorials have been established to the South Dakota FFA Foundation and the Newell VFW.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.kinkadefunerals.com.

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