On October 14, 2017 at the age of seventy-nine, Johnnie left us to ascend to Heaven and become an Angel.

He was born in Natalia, Texas on January 6, 1938 to parents, Ysac and Madeline Vera. He resided in Mohave Valley, AZ with his wife and children for a substantial part of his life, but never forgot he was a son of Texas.

Johnnie was a man of many talents. He could play instruments and music just by listening, build any structure, and cook delicious meals. Our dad could do anything and everything! Like everything in his life, he was able to master more than one trade in the medical field. He was a lab and x-ray technician and he worked in the healthcare field for 30 years until his retirement.

Although he has left us, he continues to live on through his children, his grandchildren and his great-grandchild. He personified the idea of family. His kindness and genuine caring for family and strangers came from his heart. His example inspired his family to live their best lives. He lived a full and complete life, from his days on a farm in Texas to building a home in Arizona with his family. Every day he lived his words. He loved to captivate his loved ones with the stories of his childhood experiences and his beautiful life. His family was his life. One such as he will not pass this way again.

He is survived by his children, John R. Vera Jr., Rudy (Laura) Vera, Nancy (Bernie) Hatmaker, and Rose Vera; grandchildren, Madeline (James) Busch, Alexander (Cassie) Vera and Matthew Hatmaker; and his only great grandchild, Chloe A. Vera (daughter of Alex). He is also survived by his siblings whom he loved dearly, Frank (Mary) Vera, George (Millie) Vera, Rick (Sherry) Vera and Linda Rodriquez. He is preceded in death by his loving spouse, Elva Gutierrez Vera; and his siblings, Mary Lerma, Angie Reyes, Virginia Vera, Tony Vera, Anita Vera, Daniel Vera, Isabelle McLaren and Higinio Vera.

Johnnie leaves behind many nieces and nephews whom he loved and thought of often. A special mention to Ingrid Lira and Melinda Reyna, his sisters-in-law who were such a big part of his life. Also a special thanks to Robert and Maria Richardson who visited him and treated him like family, thus were family.

Funeral Mass was held Wednesday, October 25, 2017, at 11:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, De Leon. Johnnie was laid to rest beside his wife in De Leon Cemetery.