Marshall Johnson: 1950-2025
Noted Entomologist Was a Dear Friend of UC Davis Entomologists
The national entomology community, including faculty, students, staff and alumni of the UC Davis Entomology and Nematology, is mourning the passing of UC Riverside entomologist emeritus Marshall Wain Johnson of Clovis, who died June 29 from complications due to a fall, according to his wife Lynn LeBeck.
Known for his expertise in integrated pest management (IPM) and biocontrol, he served as an Extension specialist stationed at the Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Parlier, Calif. He was elected a Fellow of Entomological Society of America (ESA) in 2006 and the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 2008.
His widespread entomology family knew him as "a great scientist, educator, photographer and friend."
Frank Zalom, UC Davis Distinguished Emeritus Professor (on recall) and an Honorary Member, past president and Fellow of ESA, and the former 16-year director of the UC Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program (UC IPM), said: "I've known Marshall since he was a postdoc at UC Riverside. He was a wonderful colleague and friend. Marshall and Lynn were tremendous advocates for biological control and IPM, and tremendously successful in advancing their development and adoption over the last 45 years. Marshall had a laid-back, folksy manner that enabled him to interact positively with practically anyone in the agricultural or academic communities. He is going to be greatly missed."
Jay Rosenheim, UC Davis Distinguished Professor Emeritus: "Marshall was truly a cherished colleague. He was a uniquely generous person. He was generous with his knowledge and support to the students and postdoctoral researchers that he mentored; he was generous with his time, effort, and scientific acumen when he conducted research that solved pest management problems for California farmers; and he was generous with his leadership skills in his service as an administrator in his home department and in the Entomological Society of America, where he served for many years on the Governing Board. He was truly a selfless person, always focused on helping those around him to reach their potential and thrive. I will miss him."
Andrew Ross, Department Safety Coordinator and Facility Manager, Department of Plant Pathology, and Department of Entomology and Nematology: "I remember working with Marshall to get Spinosad registered for olive fruit fly in our orchards when I was a citrus, avocado, olive ranch manager in the 1990s. He was very nice to work with, always pleasant, and helpful."
UC Davis Distinguished Professor Emerita Diane Ullman of the Department of Entomology and Nematology and colleague Bruce Tabashnik of the University of Arizona wrote the following memorial tribute, published by ESA:
Marshall Johnson Memorial Tribute
By Diane Ullman and Bruce Tabashnik
"The world lost an extraordinary entomologist and a kind, beloved friend when Marshall Wain Johnson, Ph.D., died on June 29, 2025, in Fresno, California. He had just completed 12 wonderful years of retirement with his wife and very best friend of 45 years, Lynn LeBeck, Ph.D., an accomplished entomologist in her own right. Marshall was a stellar scientist and mentor who made seminal contributions to integrated pest management and biocontrol. He was an outstanding colleague, a talented photographer, and a passionate proponent of science and education.
"Marshall was born in Roanoke, Virginia, on August 20, 1950. He earned his degrees in entomology at North Carolina State University (B.S. and M.S.) and the University of California, Riverside (Ph.D.). He was an assistant professor of entomology at Kansas State University, then returned to UCR as a research entomologist in 1981. In 1983, he was hired as an assistant professor in the Department of Entomology at the University of Hawaii, where he was later promoted to associate and full professor. In 2002, he returned once again to UCR as an Extension specialist stationed at the Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Parlier, California.
"Marshall's landmark research and extension contributions reduced pesticide use and optimized biological control in several crops including watermelon, vegetables, and olives. His work advanced understanding of some of the world's most important pests such as Liriomyza leafminers, whiteflies, spider mites, thrips, diamondback moth, glassy-winged sharpshooter, oriental fruit moth, and olive fruit fly.
"Marshall's work garnered international recognition and numerous awards, including election as a Fellow of the Entomological Society of America and the American Association for the Advancement of Science as well as the International Organization for Biological Control (IOBC) Distinguished Scientist of the Year Award. He served as president of the Hawaiian Entomological Society in 1991 and the Nearctic Regional Section of the IOBC from 2007 to 2009.
"Marshall was a gifted mentor, guiding people at all stages of life and career. He served as major professor for four M.S. and 10 Ph.D. students and supervised 21 postdoctoral researchers. While at UH, he taught biocontrol and won the National Association of Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture Teaching Award of Merit.
"Marshall created gorgeous photographs of the natural world, including remarkable closeups of insects. His portraits of friends became treasured gifts. In retirement, he and Lynn traveled the American West, shooting landscapes with their 4x5 film view camera. The resulting spectacular images are a legacy in themselves.
"Despite his great gifts and accolades, Marshall was humble. He listened intently to others, giving his complete, heartfelt support. His kindness, playful sense of humor, and generosity touched the lives of many. He will be deeply missed by many for a long time.
"Along with Lynn, he leaves behind a dear brother and sister, nieces and nephews, and many friends and colleagues with whom he shared much love and laughter."
