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Frank Edward Johnson, Jr., M.D., Professor of Surgery, passed away in St. Louis, MO, on August 8, 2018, at the age of 74. He is survived by his wife Tami Johnson; his sisters Theresa and Katherine; four children: Mariko, Michael, Eric, and David; as well as four grandchildren: Alex, Matthew, Emi, and Aya.

He was born in Evanston, IL, on October 28, 1943 to Frank Edward Johnson, Sr. and Beryl Madeline Johnson. He received his medical degree from the University of Minnesota Minneapolis and completed his internship at the University of California Los Angeles. He then traveled around the world for one year prior to serving as a naval doctor during the Vietnam War. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for acts of valor and heroism. His time in Vietnam inspired him to work with his dad to create a charitable organization that continues to bring children with cardiac defects from around the world to the US for surgery. He began his residency training in general surgery at the University of Washington Seattle, and this is where he met his future wife, Tami. They were married on January 24, 1976, in San Francisco. He completed his residency training at the University of Colorado Denver, followed by a fellowship in surgical oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. He then moved to St. Louis, where he would start and complete his medical career at Saint Louis University and the John Cochran Veteran’s Affairs Hospital.

Medicine was his calling and he published extensively in the medical literature. One of his greatest joys was mentoring medical students and residents. We will remember his love of reading, learning, traveling, and the arts. Some of his happiest moments included a year long sabbatical in London, holidays with his family, and spending time with his grandchildren. He was an idealist and believed in helping others and standing up for what is right. He will be missed dearly by those who truly knew him.

A memorial service will be held at Bopp Chapel, 10610 Manchester Rd., Kirkwood, MO, on August 18, 2018, at 4 PM, with visitation starting at 3 PM. Memorial contributions can be made to the Missouri Botanical Garden.