JOHNSON, SR., Reno

Silver Creek Mortuary, Taylor, Arizona Reno Johnson Sr. (May 11, 1943 - May 11, 2014) Reno Johnson Sr., devoted pastor and civic leader, passed away at the age of 69 at 5:30 a.m. on Sunday May 11, 2014, the eve of his seventieth birthday. He was reunited with his beloved wife Rita (Antonio), who passed into eternity on March 17, 2014. Reno and Rita were high school sweethearts and were married April 30, 1954. Their love burned 50 years. He was born on May 22, 1944 in Canyon Day on the White Mountain Apache Indian Reservation. Reno spent part of his childhood in Nutrioso, AZ. Reno loved sports, having played football and basketball at Round Valley High School and Alchesay High School, where he was a stand-out basketball player. His love of sports carried over after high school as he continued to play basketball forming an Apache Police Department team as well as coaching Little League basketball. Reno also loved camping and spending time with his church family. Those who knew and loved Reno describe him as an encourager, a man of integrity and a compassionate leader. Reno’s compassionate and encouraging heart led him into public service. As a civic leader he sought for reconciliation, even with those considered political foes. To prepare himself for a career in law enforcement, Reno trained at various police academies. He served the White Mountain Apache Police Department as a dispatcher, detention officer, and patrol officer. He worked his way through the ranks to become not only the first WMAT Police Chief, but also the first Native American in the United States to become a tribal Chief of Police. While Chief of Police, he also served on the WMA Tribal Council. He ran and was elected WMAT Vice-Chairman. He then ran and was elected WMAT Chairman. He served as WMAT Chairman from 1986-1990. During his tenure as WMAT Chairman he left an innovator’s legacy. Some of his accomplishments were the establishment of a four-lane highway through Whiteriver and the development of the Cibecue Commercial Center. It was through his direction the Tribe gained a Burger King franchise. He helped in acquiring a partnership with the Elks Club of New Jersey to endow the Apache people as their Toys for Tots beneficiary. He developed the, “US Marine Devil Pups,” and the Police Cadets Program. One of the most significant of Reno’s accomplishments was leading a team to negotiate a contract with McDonald Douglas Aircraft on behalf of the WMAT. An agreement was made for the WMAT to manufacture the interior components of the Apache Helicopter. After touring the facility, the team completed the contract and arranged for an Apache Helicopter to do a fly-over the Tribal Fair. As the helicopter set down at the fair, the WMA people were able to see just what they could accomplish when they worked together. Reno started a house church in 1990 that grew into the Canyon Day Family Lighthouse Church. He pastored the church until the time of his passing. He was passionate about Israel leading many groups from his congregation to the Holy Land. The reach of his pastoral heart touched numerous churches across the reservation. He served on the board of Yesahrelah and Warriors of Fire in Pennsylvania. During his 24-plus years of pastoral ministry, Reno also served two more terms on the Tribal Council. Reno was steadfast in devotion to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ – to the end of his years. His favorite bible passage was “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 KJV Reno’s life demonstrated great love and commitment to his people. His life and influence inspired a countless number of individuals to serve the White Mountain Apache Tribe. Reno is survived by four children, fifteen grandchildren, eight great grandchildren and four sisters. The wake will begin Saturday May 17, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. and will continue through both evenings until the funeral Monday May 19th at 10:00 a.m. The funeral service will be held at the Chief Alchesay Activity Center in Whiteriver, AZ, with a graveside service at Canyon Day Cemetery. A dinner will be served following the funeral service at the Chief Alchesay Activity Center. All condolences should be sent to Silver Creek Mortuary, PO. Box 367 Taylor, AZ 85939. Or you can send online condolences at silvercreekmortuary.net The family wishes to thank all of Reno’s friends and the fellowship of churches for their prayerful support. They offer a special thanks to Dr. Ryberg, Dr. Tim Matthews, Gayla Cox RN, Evelyn Begay RN, Michelle Martinez director of Whiteriver IHS, The Whiteriver IHS ER Staff, and the Whiteriver IHS adult ward staff. As well as the staff of MD Anderson Cancer Center and the Mayo Clinic.