Johnny Lacina

Louis John “Johnny” Lacina, Jr., left this world on June 24, 2023. He was born to Louis John “L.J.” Lacina and Norma Hodde Lacina in Brenham, Texas on November 14, 1949. Growing up, he attended the St. Mary’s Parochial School and then Brenham High School where he graduated in 1967. Johnny studied at Blinn College and later transferred to Baylor University where he finished his Bachelor’s degree while attending Baylor Law School. In 1972, he graduated from Baylor with his Juris Doctor.

On May 3, 1970, Johnny met the love of his life, Carey Ferris on a blind date and the two were married on April 28, 1973. They had two children, Rachael and Jonas. After taking the bar exam, Johnny took a train to Chicago and hitchhiked from there through Quebec and the northeast. He received his exam results over a pay phone from his mother during his travels. Upon returning to Texas, he entered into the legal profession with his uncle, A.W. Hodde, Jr., and together, they practiced as Hodde & Lacina until Mr. Hodde’s retirement. Johnny found a new law partner in Catherine Kenjura and the two practiced together as Lacina & Kenjura for 19 years. Most recently, Johnny worked in The Lacina Law Firm that he started with his son, Jonas. From 1974 to 1986, Johnny served as the County Attorney of Washington County. He was always willing to help someone in need and charge a fair price, and he served as a great example and role model of what a good lawyer should be.

As a proud Eagle Scout, Johnny served as the Scoutmaster of Troop 577 for the first few years of its existence. In 1997, he participated in a crew that went to the Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. From 1994 to 2011, Johnny sat as a member of the Blinn College Board of Trustees, which included time as the board president.

Johnny loved trains. From the time that he was little until his last day, he had an interest in model trains, railroad history, and rail travel. In 2015, he traveled to the Nevada Northern Railway, where he drove a real steam engine. He liked sports, especially baseball, and he was a fan of the Chicago Cubs and the Houston Astros. Chicago was his favorite travel destination, and he made numerous trips there for Cubs games, beer, and deep-dish pizza. He also loved his Baylor bears and enjoyed attending Baylor football and men’s and women’s basketball games in Waco. He loved traveling and visited much of Europe and North America. In his younger days, Johnny was an avid runner, running several full marathons with his running club, The Running Fools. Later, he became a cyclist and finished the MS 150 on several occasions as well as regularly riding county backroads on Saturdays with the Gay Hill Cycle Group. Cooking was another passion of his and he was known as a great cook–he particularly excelled at making jambalaya, gumbo, breads, and pies. Johnny loved good beer and whiskey, and most of all, his family. In his final months, he enjoyed being a grandfather and playing with his grandson, Julian.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife of 46 years, Carey. He will be missed by his family: daughter Rachael Lacina-Taylor, son Jonas Lacina and wife Katie Zimolzak, and Austin Taylor; grandson Julian Louis Lacina; his loving companion of 3 years Cathy Cole; siblings Lorna Lacina, Tim Lacina and wife Michele as well as nieces, nephews and many close friends; beloved pets, Gus and Bobby.

Serving as honorary pallbearers are Barry Blue, Rusty Harvill, Paul Kruse, David Lemoine, Dr. Chris McCarty, Hal Moorman, Bob Pearson, and Larry Urquhart.

A visitation will be held on Friday, June 30 from 8am to 7pm with family present from 4pm to 7pm at Brenham Memorial Chapel. A memorial service will be held for family and friends at a later date. If desired, a memorial contribution may be made to the L.J. and Norma Lacina Family Scholarship at the Blinn College Foundation, the Animal Friends of Washington County, or the Brenham Blessings charitable organization.

Services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel and online condolences may be shared with family at www.brenhammemorialchapel.com.