Dennis Neil Johnson Sr., 77, was killed on November 5, 2017, in the mass shooting at First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas. A long-time church elder of more than a decade and a veteran of the U.S. Navy Reserves and the Army National Guard who served in Operation Desert Shield, Johnson was among 26 people shot that day; 22 others were injured.

The shooter was identified as Devin Patrick Kelley, a former U.S. Air Force serviceman with a history of domestic violence. Kelley’s criminal history was not properly entered into federal records, which allowed him to purchase firearms used in the attack. Federal litigation later found the government negligent for that reporting failure and resulted in a large award to victims and their families and subsequent changes in background-check reporting procedures.

Dennis Johnson is remembered for his role in his church and his military service. If anyone knew him or has information related to his life or that day, please share what can help preserve his memory.