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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