Walter F. Johnson, Jr.

Walter F. Johnson, Jr. passed away peacefully on March 13, 2026 at the age of 82 after a long battle with prostate cancer.

He was pre-deceased by his parents Walter F. Johnson, Sr. and Marie H. Johnson; by his brothers Wayne T. Johnson Sr.; Warren J. Johnson; and Kenneth J. Johnson; and by his nephew Wayne T. (Shea) Johnson, Jr. He is survived by his sister-in-law Suzanne V. Johnson, his niece Shannon Johnson Uschold (Jim), his great-nieces Doriana and Ariana Uschold, and a host of relatives and friends.

Walter was a native New Orleanian and a resident of Algiers. After graduating from Martin Behrman High School in 1962, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He served four years active duty and was honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant. He then attended Louisiana Tech University, graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. He received a scholarship to the University of Arizona (Tucson, Arizona), where he graduated in 1971 with a Master of Fine Arts degree. He did additional post-graduate work in Visual and Environmental Studies at Harvard University. He was a Fulbright Scholar, studying Indian art and culture at Banaras Hindu University.

Walter began his academic career as an adjunct instructor of art at the University of Arizona (Tucson, Arizona), Pima Community College (Tucson, Arizona), and Concordia University – New Orleans. He then began a 40-year tenure teaching fine arts and visual communications at Delgado Community College, where he was instrumental in developing the fine arts curriculum. In 1987, he was honored as Delgado’s first recipient of the Seymour Weiss Excellence in Teaching Award. In 2016, he retired as a professor of art with meritorious commendation.

In addition to his academic career, Walter also had a gallery career. His work has been exhibited at various museums and galleries. One of his paintings is in the New Orleans Museum of Art’s permanent collection and is currently on display; others are held in private collections.

As a younger man, Walter enjoyed studying the Martial Arts, earning a First Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo.

There will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at Mothe Funeral Home, 2100 Westbank Expressway, Harvey, LA. Visitation will begin at 9AM and a Memorial Service will follow at 11AM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to your favorite charity.