Dexter Johnson

Dexter! I always felt so happy coming into your classroom. It was a bright place to be. I´ve laughed over the years at your hilarious stunts, like when you insisted on calling Phoebie´s name, from the Catcher In the Rye, to "Fiobee". You would ride around sitting on the top of your rolling cart with your megaphone. Those were magical times!!! Cheers!!

I went to Palo Verde high school in the late 80s. My English teacher wanted to be called by his first name Dexter. Over the last 30 years I have thought of him often. So today I used Google and I put in Palo Verde high school in Tucson Arizona Dexter. And this website popped up. Its been over 30 years since he was my teacher and I dont know if the family still checks this website, but I do want you to know he changed my life. He instilled in me a love for learning. I just thought you should...

Sophomore year english class Palo Verde high school 1975 Mr Johnson was my chosen name for him, his for me was Dr Hannaman. That very first day roll call initiated many big beaming true to heart smiles between us. During that tense moment that my name was called he stood up from his seat atop his desk and called for all (44) Students ATTENTION! I was asked to stand, I could feel the sweat beading up on my forehead and the heat generated by my surely beat red face, what the hell did I do? I...

Mr. Johnson was an amazing person and teacher. It was "cool" to be in one of Dex's classes. Please know that he made learning fun, and brought a lot of laughter into the classroom. My heart goes out to his family and friends.

I had the pleasure of having "Dex" for English and as my student council advisor at Palo Verde (1991). Long live "fun with vocab." What a great teacher and friend. I looked forward to his amazing Christmas cards and retired life news each year. I would like to send my blessings to his family and friends. Such a tremendous loss, such a remarkable man.

Dear Cousin,

We shared many happy memories in our youth as your family would come into Kansas City for visits and we would travel out to various cities in Kansas to stay with you. It was a highlight of my summer to spend a week or so alone with your family. There was that wonderful Johnson summer reunion in Marble, Colorado where you and I discussed “The Grapes of Wrath” which you frequently referenced in later conversations. As we both became involved with careers and grew our own...

My condolences to all of Dexter's family. As much as you are missing him, I can only imagine all of the wonderful, incredible memories you have of him to help. I had Dexter (Dex as we used to call him) back in 1990. He had to be one of the funniest teachers I've ever had. He not only made class fun to go to but made the learning a bit fun as well. One of my fondest memories of Dex was, when I called on him because I had a question, he referred to me as Lipius Maximus...it was damn funny...

Dex was my junior english teacher, and gave me the nickname of " Birdman".
The nickname faded, but what Dex taught me never will. He will be sorely missed.

I was a student in Dex's class in 1992 and was alway's amazed at his humor and commradery! He always had a smile on his face and some funny joke to tell. Though being an English Teacher and always making sure that things were spelled or pronounced correctly, he was always there for each and every one of his students. My sympathies go out to his wife and family. Beth and Burton, Dex will be sadly missed and my thoughts and prayers go out to you and yours. Rest in Peace Dex...