Submit a PhotoLanny Earl Johnson, lovingly known as “Pecos Bill” and “Mr. Whit,” passed away peacefully on January 21st, 2026, in Gilbert, Arizona, at the age of 81. He was born on September 23rd, 1944, in Phoenix, Arizona, to Cliff and Joyce Johnson.
Lanny graduated from Lakeside High School in 1963. He married Carla Sue Nance and had two sons, Tommy and Denny, before being drafted in the Army and proudly serving his country in the Vietnam war. After his discharge, he returned to Show Low and worked in the logging industry, where he later met Sandy Penrod, with whom he shared the blessing of her three children: Barton, Lisa, and Michelle.
Lanny then went on to haul cattle, a job he truly loved. In 1981, he began his career with APS at the Cholla Power Plant, later transferring to Deer Valley then Payson as a tree trimmer. During this time, he met Meridith, the love of his life and her two daughters, Jessica and Tamara. They blended their families and were married on March 31, 2001.
Lanny was known for his caring heart, patience, and zest for life. He loved rodeo, bull riding, fishing, hunting, camping, and time spent in the White Mountains. He always looked forward to the annual fishing trip on the third week of March, with close friends and family.
He is survived by his wife, Meridith; mother, Joyce; children Tommy, Denny, Lisa, Shelley, Jessica, and Tamara; brothers Nickey and Danny; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, Cliff, brothers Tracy and Royce and pups Newton and Lilly.
Lanny’s Celebration of Life is currently being planned and will be announced at a later time.
He was truly loved and will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
“Three tracks in the snow, buddy.”
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Thank you Meredith….love n miss you Dad. Always have and I always will. I’m glad you’re feeling better now. Say hello to my mama for me ok? Love Sissy
I am so sorry Lanny is no longer with us. I sadly didn’t get to see him much later in life (only the few times he shopped where I worked), but I never forgot his kindness from when I was little at every family reunion, always smiling. I’m sure he’s reminiscing all those good times with his dad now and resting easy now that he’s no longer suffering, and knowing we’ll all join with them again when our times come.
God Bless & Love Always,
Melissa Hogsett-Vann
So very sorry for your loss. All wonderful memories will last the rest of your lives.
Sending our sincere condolences to all of Lanny’s family and friends! He was such a great guy and a real pleasure to know! I could always count on him to make me smile or laugh! I have lots of fond memories of him from the reunions and the luau’s, especially when it came to audience participation I could always count on him to livin’ things up a bit! lol
I’m hoping that you all will find comfort in reflecting back to the good times you shared together as you move forward for these are the things that are most important in life ….the memories we make with our family and friends! With the type of guy Lanny was it should not be hard to do!
He was always so much fun to be around so I know he would not want to see anyone saddened by his passing! Hoping that some of this will give you comfort in your days ahead without him in your journey through life! If there’s anything I can do to help out please let me know my number is still the same after all these years 480 233-8776. Your family has been such a blessing to my own family and we will always cherish our relationship with all of you!
Love you all bunches,
Judy Kear
and extended families of
John Wagner, Melissa Vann and Jessica Hogsett too.
My heart and prayers are with You Meredith and family. So sorry for your loss.
So sorry for your loss. You know how much we love you guys. We have had so many good times. Our arms are around you all at this sad time.