Ronald "Ronnie" Edward Johnson was born February 9, 1933 to Edward Alonzo Johnson and Meriam Jeanette (Hoover) Johnson. Ronnie grew up in Upland California where he loved anything to do with cars and racing. In the 1950's he was able to fulfill his dream of becoming a race car driver when he was able to race Jalopies and Midgets. He brought that dream with him to Carson City where he raced at T-car speedway from 1975-1981. Along with racing, Ronnie loved clowning and often combined his love of racing with being a clown. In 1973 when Ronnie moved his family to Carson City, Nevada they joined him in clowning and the Ronnie Johnson family of Clowns was started. Over the years the Ronnie Johnson Family of Clowns grew to include many friends and later, more little clowns with the addition of grandchildren. They continued to entertain the state of Nevada for more than thirty years. Among Ronnie's most memorable accomplishments was being allowed the privilege of serving as Grand Marshalls in the 1991 Nevada Day Parade and serving as the Master of Ceremonies for the 1992 Grand Ball. Ronnie loved to make people laugh and although he was enthusiastic about clowning around, he was serious about his career. He worked for over 30 years as a "telephone man". He started his career at General Telephone Company in southern California where he was one of the fastest pole climbers around, and later transferred to Nevada Bell in 1973. He stayed with Nevada Bell until his retirement. He was in the Police Reserves in Upland California. He also diligently served his country in the Naval Reserves until his retirement.
Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his three Children Jeanette (Clifford) Gordon, of Carson city NV. Barbara (Bill) Bower of Sacramento CA. and Ronnie (Paula) Johnson of Winston OR. & 13 grandchildren. David, Alethea, Joebob, Tristika, Rebecca, William, Hunter, Hannah, Abigail, Rachel, Gabriel, and Jonathan. 2 Great Grandchildren Delanie and Riley. Ronnie's brother Larry (Annetta) Johnson and several nieces and nephews and many friends. He will be greatly missed.
In honor of their father and grandfather, the Ronnie Johnson family will be entertaining one last time as the Ronnie Johnson Family of Clowns this year October 29, 2011 in the Nevada Day Parade. A private memorial ceremony will be conducted at Lake Tahoe as the families gather together to bring to a close the life of Ronnie Edward Johnson. If you would like, please send memories or stories about Ronnie to: gordon17@sbcglobal.netand they will be read at the memorial.
