87S20784 TBO-D
By: White H.R. No. 64
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas lost an admired
leader with the passing of Principal Chief Herbert G. Johnson Sr. on
August 9, 2021, at the age of 79; and
WHEREAS, A member of the Beaver Clan, Herbert Johnson was
born on April 3, 1942, on the Alabama-Coushatta Indian Reservation
near Livingston; after graduating from high school, he studied at
Jacksonville College, where he enjoyed a successful basketball
career; among his many achievements, he earned All-American
recognition in 1963, and he was later honored by the college as a
Distinguished Alumnus; he also briefly attended the University of
Houston, and he went on to obtain certification from Kilgore
College and the Angelina Criminal Justice Center as an East Texas
Police Academy reserve officer; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Johnson served two terms on the
Alabama-Coushatta Tribal Council and worked as the tribal security
director for more than two decades before his retirement in 2012;
the following year, he was elected as the tribe's second chief, and
he held that position until January 1, 2020, when he was installed
as principal chief, or Mikko Choba Skalaaba; along the way, he
served with the tribe's volunteer fire department and managed
tribal softball and basketball leagues, and he was a member of the
Big Sandy Independent School District Board of Trustees for 48
years; a man of deep faith, he was also a deacon and elder of the
Indian Presbyterian Church; and
WHEREAS, In all his endeavors, Mr. Johnson benefited from the
love and support of his wife, Deloris; he was the proud father of
five children, Davie, Delbert, Retha, Herbert, and Heather, and he
had the pleasure of welcoming into his family numerous
grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Deeply devoted to his community, Mikko Choba
Skalaaba Herbert Johnson made a meaningful difference in the lives
of his loved ones and fellow citizens alike, and his contributions
to the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas will continue to resonate
in the years to come; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas
Legislature, 2nd Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the memory
of Principal Chief Herbert G. Johnson Sr. and extend deepest
sympathy to all who mourn his passing; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of
Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Chief
Herbert Johnson.