Lawton legislators mourn the passing of Albert Johnson Sr.

Lawton area legislators, including Sen. John Michael Montgomery, R-Lawton; Sen. Chris Kidd, R-Waurika; Rep. Trey Caldwell, R-Lawton; Rep. Toni Hasenbeck, R-Elgin; Rep. Daniel Pae, R-Lawton; and Rep. Rande Worthen, R-Lawton, released the following joint statement after the death of Lawton legend Albert Johnson Sr.  

“We are saddened to hear of the passing of long-time educator and Lawton community leader Albert Johnson Sr. Mr. Johnson was an integral part of the Lawton community and passionate supporter of our public schools, serving as an educator, coach and mentor for nearly 70 years.

“He was a leader in the desegregation movement in the 1960s, working to ensure all Oklahoma students were able to receive a high-quality education. He loved his students and cared for them fiercely – a teacher that moved mountains and no doubt made an incredible impact in the lives of all of those he taught. His accomplishments in the classroom led to his appointment to the State Board of Education in 1991, and there was no one more deserving than Mr. Johnson to be inducted into the Oklahoma African-American Educators Hall of Fame.

“We mourn the loss of an extraordinary Oklahoman, and send our condolences, thoughts and prayers to the Johnson family.”