Lanny Joe Johnson

April 2, 1934 — Sept. 12, 2012

Lanny Joe Johnson passed away peacefully Sept. 12, 2012, after a long, difficult battle with Alzheimer’s. He was born James Dean Harrington on April 2, 1934, in Glenwood, Iowa, to Lena May Riley and Raymond Warren Berrey and was adopted by his loving parents William Reginald Johnson and Elizabeth Belle Mason.

Lanny spent his childhood planting flowers with his mom, was the star of the high school basketball team, a member of the American Legion Jeepers Jamboree cook crew at Rubicon Springs and a practical joker. He joined the U.S. Navy Submarine Fleet out of high school, honorably serving our country. He met his first wife, Connie White, during his service in the Navy. Connie and Lanny had four children, Vicki Healea (Tim) of Roseville, Shirley Rule (Mark) of Butte, Mont., William Johnson (Betsy) of Las Vegas, Nev., and Carol McGinity (Mike) of Placerville. Also surviving Lanny are 11 grandchildren, John, Carolyn, Derek, Trever, Charles “Cody”, Kirk, Craig, Christy, Eddie, Lanny and Courtney; and numerous great-grandchildren; along with brothers, Stan, Larry and Bill; and sister, Patty.

Lanny served as a lineman for PG&E for many years, retiring in the 1990s. Upon retirement from PG&E as a foreman he relocated to Lakeview, Alaska, with his second wife, Sharon, to become a stepfather to her four children. He will always be known for his contagious laughter, joyful sense of humor, handsome good looks, being the life of the party and enjoying hot sauce on everything. Lanny was preceded in death by his parents and wife Sharon. He is in heaven jeeping the days away and is once again reunited with loved ones.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to American Legion Post 119, P.O. Box 421, Placerville, CA 95667. Friends are asked to join in a memorial service celebrating Lanny’s life on Sunday, Sept. 23, at 10 a.m., at the American Legion Post 119, 4561 Greenstone Road in Placerville.