Thome Johnson’s principal vocational pursuits were farming and livestock. As a forceful spokesman for agriculture during his Nebraska Legislature service, Mr. Johnson was well known and respected throughout Nebraska. As a product of public schools and a graduate of the University of Nebraska, Thome recognized the vital role of an effective educational system and was a staunch, long-time supporter of varied educational programs.
Thome Johnson is a friend – for many reasons – and for all seasons.
Literally born in a sod house in Custer County, Nebraska some three-quarters of a century ago, Thome Johnson has had a firsthand view of the development of a nation – and has played a key role in many of the critical decisions in his community and his state. Beyond that, he has been an active participant at every level of government in Nebraska – and has always brought a quality of integrity, of diligence, of loyalty, and of judgment that could serve as a model for all those involved in governing at every level of America.
Thome Johnson is – first and foremost – a friend of agriculture. He grew up in it and with it. Not content to be a successful practicing farmer – where his record is enviable – he has realized the necessity to become involved in those institutions and organizations which he sensed were important to the well-being of the agricultural community. The record of involvement is impressive: member of the Agricultural Extension Service Board in Custer County and later in Dodge County; board member of the Broken Bow Production Credit Association and later of the South Omaha Production Credit Association; president of the Dodge County Livestock Feeders Association; member of the Nebraska Wheat Commission; member of the Nebraska Agricultural Products Research Committee; member of the Nebraska State Board of Agriculture and the State Fair Board.
On a more personal note, let me add that in his service in the State Legislature – where he was a member of the important Appropriations Committee – I personally observed his performance. There is no question in my mind but that Thome Johnson – in his quiet, understated manner – was a tower of strength of agriculture in all its aspects. His voice was not often heard in the galleries of the legislative chamber, but his fingerprints were clearly visible on every bit of substantive legislation involving agriculture during his distinguished service in the Unicameral.
This recitation of involvement and leadership comes as no surprise to those who know Thome Johnson, because he has been recognized and honored on many occasions by many organizations. A partial list of these honors includes the "Certificate of Appreciation" from the Nebraska Cooperative Extension Association; the W.G. Skelly "Superior Achievement in Agriculture" Award, the Ak-Sar-Ben "Pioneer Award"; and a resolution of appreciation passed and signed by all members of the Legislature.
Thome Johnson is a friend of education. A product of public schools and a graduate of the University of Nebraska, early in his career he recognized the vital role of an effective educational system, from kindergarten through the graduate and research levels. He served on the school board in Custer County and later Dodge County. He has been a staunch, long-time supporter of education through the Cooperative Extension Service and its 4-H Club programs. Again, on a personal basis – I know that he and he alone – is responsible for at least a million dollars annually for agricultural research in Nebraska. This was appropriated by the Legislature because of Thome Johnson's devotion to the cause of an improved agriculture in Nebraska – and it was appropriated because of his skillful influence in the Appropriations Committee and the high regard in which he was held by his fellow senators on the floor of the Legislature. He always supported the general principal of a strong system of education at all levels – and his wisdom and effective support will provide rich dividends for his community, his state, and his nation for generations to come. Based on personal knowledge, I can say, without qualification, that the University of Nebraska has never had a more consistent friend in the Legislature than the man we honor tonight.
Thome Johnson is a friend to his community. The record of participation, of involvement, of leadership, must be an inspiration for every citizen. He has been a key leader in the affairs of his Chamber of Commerce; president of the Dodge County Red Cross; president of the Dodge County Tuberculosis Association; a member of the board of the YMCA; the community Chest; the County Board of Supervisors; past president of his Rotary Club; chairman of the board of his church; active in the Masonic Lodge; director of the Fremont National Bank and the Equitable Savings and Loan Association; a member of the board of the Fremont Salvation Army.
This is but a partial record of the involvement and the achievements of Thome Johnson – and an extraordinary record it is! Thome Johnson is truly a friend for all seasons!
Overriding and overreaching all these recorded achievements, from my standpoint, is the fact that Mrs. Varner and I consider Jean and Thome Johnson as personal friends. Although our roots in this state do not have the historical depth and reach of theirs, they have made us feel as an integral part of the community and the state. Thome has been an adviser, a counselor, a constructive critic, a supporter where the support was warranted – an ally in some important undertakings. His word is his bond; I know I can trust him. He has been – and is – a true friend, and I am personally honored to have this privilege of speaking of Thome Johnson on this occasion.
This recognition is richly deserved – and, in fact, overdue! His own written words speak to the justification – if any were needed – for the award. In his characteristically modest manner he said:
"The first 36 six years of my life were spent in Custer County where I was born. That event took place in a sod house. In 1941 we moved to Fremont to live on the farm that my grandfather Johnson acquired in 1857. That was ten years before Nebraska became a state. And, so the heritage of the Johnson family parallels that of the state of Nebraska.
"That is why I have always been willing to serve my fellow Nebraskans in a way that I can, for the state has been good to us."
That is an eloquent summary of the philosophy which has guided Thome Johnson's life – the philosophy which has produce the Thome Johnson we know, a true friend – and for all seasons!
