Robert L. Johsnon

1920 - 2016

Robert L. Johsnon May 16, 1920 - September 4, 2016 San Diego Bob Johnson, 96, passed away peacefully on September 4, 2016 from natural causes at his place of residence in San Diego, CA. Born in Winslow, AZ where his father was a skilled craftsman for the railroad, the family moved to Los Angeles when Bob was young. After graduating from the University of California at Berkley with a master's degree in Engineering, he became an officer of the Navy during WWII. At this time, he married his wife, Betty Tuft Johnson. Their marriage produced 5 children and lasted a loving 65 years until she passed away in 2008. After the war, he joined Douglas Aircraft and helped to develop the new technology of rockets. He made major contributions to the development of the Thor, Delta and Saturn space vehicles. In 1969, he was nominated and served as Assistant Secretary of the Army for Research and Development. His career continued with the McDonnell Douglas Corp., eventually ending as a member of the Board of Directors. He is survived by Sally Ballard, his companion since 2009, his two daughters, two sons, four grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and the many others who looked on him as an inspiration and a father figure. His memory will live on in our hearts.The memorial service will be held on Friday, September 30th at St. David's Church in San Diego at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your favorite charity in his memory.