Theodore Beaire Johnson

LIEUTENANT COLONEL THEODORE BEAIRE JOHNSON
U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 1959

Lt. Colonel Theodore Beaire "Ted" Johnson belonged to the historic "First Class" of the United States Air Force Academy. Graduating in 1959, Ted helped lay the foundational bedrock of traditions, excellence, and leadership that would define the Academy for generations to come. Over a distinguished 26-year military career, he combined his passions for aviation, emerging technology, and leadership to serve his country with quiet bravery and unmatched dedication.

Ted was born in Corning, New York, to Beulah Alice Dobbins and John Emanuel Johnson. Growing up with a sharp intellect and an adventurous spirit, he later moved to West Virginia, graduating from Huntington High School.

When the United States established the Air Force Academy, Ted answered the call to be part of the bold new experiment in military aviation education. Entering the Academy as part of its inaugural class, he was assigned to Cadet Squadron 4. He endured the rigors of the temporary campus at Lowry Air Force Base before marching onto the permanent site in Colorado Springs, ultimately walking across the graduation stage in June 1959 to receive his commission.

A DISTINGUISHED AVIATION AND TECHNICAL CAREER

Following graduation, Ted entered undergraduate pilot training spanning 1959 to 1960 at Bainbridge Air Base and Webb Air Force Base. Upon earning his wings, he was assigned to the 3rd Air Transport Squadron at Charleston Air Force Base, South Carolina, where he piloted the massive C-124 Globemaster II. During this assignment, Ted played a direct role in American space exploration history by transporting the very first Mercury Space Capsule.

As the Air Force began recognizing the strategic value of early computing, Ted’s sharp analytical mind pulled him toward a secondary specialty. In 1967, he attended the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School (USNPGS) in Monterey, California, earning a Master of Science in Management Data Processing (Computer Science)—becoming one of the military's early pioneers in automated data systems.

VALOR IN VIETNAM AND COMMAND

Ted's military path was marked by his bravery during the Vietnam War, where he served two distinct tours. From 1967 to 1968, he served on the Wing Operations Staff for the 14th Air Commando Wing at Nha Trang, South Vietnam. Flying dangerous missions in a highly volatile theater, his exceptional airmanship and courage under fire earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star Medal, and three Air Medals.

Following his combat tours, Ted seamlessly integrated his tactical experience with his computer systems expertise. From 1968 to 1973, he served in Data Control and Analysis within the Program Division at Headquarters PACAF in Oahu, Hawaii. He later moved to Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, taking on the role of Branch Chief for Training Pipeline Management.

After completing the prestigious Air War College in 1977, Ted closed out his historic 26-year military career by shaping the next generation of military leaders. From 1978 to 1981, he served as the Commander of AFROTC Detachment 842 at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas. He retired from active duty at the rank of Lt. Colonel (O-5).

POST-MILITARY LIFE, COMMUNITY, AND LEGACY

Upon hanging up his uniform, Ted chose to remain in the Beaumont area. He transitioned his extensive tech skills into a successful civilian career, serving for many years as the Director of Information Technologies for Gulf States Utilities (later Entergy).

Ted believed heavily in giving back to the community that welcomed him. He was a vibrant presence in local community arts, acting and volunteering with the Silsbee Little Theater, and was a deeply devoted member and elder at the First Presbyterian Church of Silsbee.
Beyond his professional and community achievements, Ted was a man who loved the simple joys of life: exploring the globe with his loved ones, enjoying a gathering of lifelong friends, and listening for the crisp sound of a beautifully struck golf ball splitting the fairway.

In 2022, Ted passed away peacefully in Beaumont, Texas, surrounded by his family. He has a rich, loving legacy of a beautiful family: his beloved wife Marie Elaine Johnson; his children; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Lt. Colonel Theodore B. Johnson's journey came full circle when he was laid to rest at the United States Air Force Academy Cemetery in Colorado Springs—returning home to rest among the mountains where the historic Class of 1959 first began.

EDUCATION

Institution / Program Degree / Milestone Year
United States Air Force Academy Bachelor of Science (Inaugural Class) 1959
U.S. Naval Postgraduate School (USNPGS) Master of Science in Management Data Processing 1967
Air War College Senior Service School 1977

MEDALS & AWARDS

Decoration Count
Distinguished Flying Cross 1
Bronze Star Medal 1
Air Medal 3
Air Force Commendation Medal 1

SERVICE ASSIGNMENTS

Years Duty / Role Location
1959 to 1960 Pilot Training Bainbridge Air Base / Webb Air Force Base
1961 to 1965 Pilot C-124 3rd Air Transport Squadron, Charleston Air Force Base
1967 Post-Graduate Studies USNPGS, Monterey, California
1967 to 1968 Wing Operations Staff 14th Air Commando Wing, Nha Trang, South Vietnam
1968 to 1973 Data Control / Analysis Program Division, Headquarters PACAF, Oahu, Hawaii
1973 to 1977 Branch Chief, Training Pipeline Management MPC Randolph Air Force Base, Texas
1977 to 1978 Senior Service School Student Air War College, Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama
1978 to 1981 Commander Detachment 842 AFROTC, Beaumont, Texas