Dr. Melvin Johnson

Dr. Melvin Andrew Johnson, Jr. was born in Springfield, Ohio to parents Melvin, Sr. and Arletta Mudd on September 4, 1929, as an only child. He departed this life on October 11, 2026 in Destin, Florida. Melvin grew up in Wilberforce, Ohio and graduated from Wilberforce Academy high school in 1946 where he was an outstanding student. He was also an excellent pianist and clarinet player. Melvin had several close childhood friends who challenged each other academically; they referred to themselves as the "four musketeers."

Melvin attended Central State University where he pledged Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity in 1948 and proudly earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology in 1950. He later earned a master's degree in microbiology from Miami University Oxford, OH in 1955, and a PhD in physiology from the medical college at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1969. He was awarded the Thomas Jefferson University College of Graduate Studies Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1993 for Outstanding Scientific and Humanitarian Achievement.

Dr. Johnson was a lifelong educator. He accepted faculty appointments at Grambling State University, Central State University, Mercy Hospital School of Nursing, and Wright State University. He served as chairman of the Department of Biology at Central State University for 15 years, later rising to the rank of Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, and Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs.

He loved his alma mater and dedicated his life to educating, mentoring students and serving to advance CSU and the programs it offered. He also served on the Board of Admissions for Wright State University School of Medicine and the Greene County Board of Health.

Dr. Johnson remained active in medical research throughout his career. He received a grant from the National Institutes of Health to develop and facilitate a pre-medical research summer program at Central State University, which lead to the progression of many students to careers in medicine and dentistry.

As a student at Central State, Melvin met and later married the love of his life, Annie Meaner Washington in June of 1953. They were blessed with 61 years of marriage and two children, Ronald and Lois.

Melvin was a member of PALS, Betta Kappa Chi National Scientific Honor Society, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., the Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity (The Boule Foundation) and United A.M.E. Church, where he served as treasurer for several years, and was a proud member of the Mighty Men's choir. His favorite hobby was playing tennis, at which he was quite accomplished. He won many local tournaments in the Xenia and Dayton areas.

Dr. Johnson is survived by his loving children, Ronald Johnson, and daughter, Lois (Mauri) Lunderman; grandchildren, Christopher Brown Johnson (Jeannine), Ryan Lunderman, and Amber Lunderman; great grandchildren, Luxe Brown Johnson and Lucien Brown Johnson; nephew, Russell Ewing (Vani), niece, Ruth Ewing (Ronald) and other nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Central State University College of Arts and Sciences in the name of Dr. Melvin A. Johnson.