Tarleton State University is mourning the tragic death of the Athletic Hall of Famer Dr. Lamar Johanson.
Lamar Johanson, born in 1935, was a beloved member of the Texan Nation for over 60 years.
Johanson joined the Tarleton State faculty in 1961 and retired in 2001 after serving in several academic and administrative positions.
He held roles ranging from professor of biological sciences to dean to executive director at the satellite campus in Killeen.
Johanson also served as Faculty Athletics Representative from 1980 to 2000. He was involved in Tarleton State’s move from the Texas Intercollegiate Athletic Association to the Lone Star Conference in 1993.
He served as President of the Lone Star Conference from 1997 to 1999 and as a member of the Texan Club’s Board of Directors since its inception in 1994.
Moreover, Johanson was one of the first recipients of Tarleton State’s All-Purple Award, which recognizes those who support Tarleton State Athletics.
He was inducted into the Tarleton State Athletics Hall of Fame in 2007.
Athletics Hall Of Famer Dr. Lamar Johanson Passed Away At The Age Of 90
The Tarleton State Athletics Hall of Famer, Dr. Lamar Johanson, reportedly died on Sunday, June 8, 2025, at 90. However, the cause of death has not been revealed yet.
Tarleton State Athletics took to their social media handle to announce Lamar’s death. They wrote,
We are deeply saddened to announce that Tarleton State Athletics Hall of Famer Dr. Lamar Johanson has passed away. Johanson was a beloved member of Texan Nation for over 60 years. Rest In Peace, Dr. Jo.
Tarleton State Athletics
Colorado State University graduate Chris Morrow took to his official Facebook handle and mourned the tragic loss of his mentor and friend, Lamar. He wrote,
Rest in peace my friend and mentor Dr Lamar Johanson. He gave me the opportunity to attend Tarleton State University in the fall of 1989. He developed a preprofessional program that produced MDs, DOs,PTs and a veterinarian. His sense of service to the future will be impossible to replicate. I owe him so much and will do my best to keep the spirit alive.
Chris Morrow
Sherri Zulauf Johanson also mourned Lamar’s death and sent prayers to his family. She wrote,
The Johanson family lost a great one today. Please keep Marilynn, his Johanson cousins & his Tarleton family in your prayers. 🙏❤️🙏
Sherri Zulauf Johanson
Other close ones and relatives have also poured their heartfelt condolences and sent prayers to Lamar’s family to stay strong in this heartbreaking moment.
Lamar will always be remembered for his unforgettable contributions to Tarleton State Athletics. Rest in Heaven, Dr. Lamar Johanson.
Dr. Lamar Johanson Is Survived By His Wife, Marilynn T. Johanson
Hall of Famer Lamar Johanson was married to Marilynn T. Johanson; however, the specific date of their marriage has not been made public.
Sadly, their married life ended following the tragic death of Lamar Johanson.
Marilynn served as President of the Texas Vocational Homemaking Teachers Association and the Texas Vocational Teachers Association and as Vice President of the Region IV American Vocational Association, which named her Outstanding Classroom Teacher of the Year.
She also served as an education specialist with the Texas Education Agency and as an elementary school and high school principal in the Strawn and Goldthwaite Independent School Districts.
Lamar and Marilynn established an endowed scholarship in 2012 through their gift of a life estate.
Moreover, they conveyed their ranch, about 1,700 acres and all mineral rights in San Saba and Mills counties, then valued at $5 million, to the Texas A&M University System for the benefit of Tarleton State University.
In 2021, they each received an honorary doctorate of Humane Letters during Tarleton State University’s fall 2021 commencement ceremonies.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Lamar and Marilynn received Tarleton State’s 2020 Legacy for Leadership
- He served 18 years as Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and was the inaugural Executive Director of Tarleton University System in Central Texas in Killeen.
- In 1961, Marilynn was hired to teach vocational home economics at Hico High School.
