John Lee Penner, Johnnie, was born at home on October 6, 1926 on the family homestead on Lerdo Highway. He was born to Katie (Klassen) and John F. Penner as the youngest of four children. He followed two older brothers, Elray and Jess, and sister Linda. Johnnie's dad was a farmer so farming was in his blood from a young age. He attended Maple School and Wasco High School graduating with the class of 1944. While at Wasco High Johnnie participated in FFA. He entered the Navy in November of 1944.
Shortly after leaving the Navy, Johnnie was married to Mary Lou Williams on August 20, 1948. They enjoyed 63 years of marriage before Mary Lou passed in 2011. Into this union was born four sons, John Victor, Philip James, Mark Todd, and Paul Lance. Johnnie enjoyed various activities that he loved to share with his boys including bowling, golfing, fishing, and hunting. Locations close to his heart were Pismo Beach, Central Camp, and anniversaries in Carmel. Spending time with family and friends was important to Johnnie and many special memories were made bowling strikes, making straight drives, and catching trophy size fish.
Johnnie's faith was very important in his life and the life of his family. He was a member of the German Baptist Church on F Street in Wasco which later became the First Baptist Church in Wasco. He was very involved in the First Baptist Church by being a Deacon, the adult Sunday School Superintendent, AWANA Commander, and Sunday evening song leader which included his wife Mary Lou on the piano. He also enjoyed playing trumpet with his son Skip during Sunday evening services.
Johnnie was a life-long wheat and cotton farmer. In 1972 Vic entered into farming with his father. Together they farmed land in the Shafter area for ten years. Later, Johnnie enjoyed a second career as a foreman for Stan Wilson in Shafter offering his expertise earned over decades of farming.
Johnnie is survived by his sons Vic and wife Priscilla, Skip and wife Kendra, daughter-in-laws Jacqui and Hanako, and six grandchildren Jarrod and wife Leslie, Stephanie and husband T.J., Beth and husband, Katelyn and husband Josh, Korey and wife Shelbey, and Jack. He is also survived by 11 great grandchildren. Preceded in death by beloved wife Mary Lou, sons Mark and Philip, and great grandson Cobyn.
A viewing will be held between 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Friday, October 24, at Peter's Funeral Home in Shafter.
A graveside service will be Saturday, October 25, at 11:00 a.m. at Shafter Memorial Park.