LAKEPORT, Calif. – Johnny Lloyd Hamner Sr. of Lakeport passed away on Sept. 8, 2019, due to complications following heart surgery.

Johnny was born at the old hospital in Upper Lake on Sept. 20, 1937, to the Thomas and Johnnie Cecil Hamner of Lakeport.

He attended the Upper Lake School system and later in life was employed by the City of Lakeport for 27 years and retired in 2011.

To keep in shape Johnny faithfully walked through the town of Lakeport twice daily always following the same 22 block path.

He was a self-reliant, hard-working man who stayed active with the local auto races as a driver in the early years and as flagman for the Lakeport Speedway during the 1960s and 1970s. His great-nephew, racer Kevin Sabol, made a final memorial lap at the last race of the season this year in his honor.

His love of vehicles was evident in his classic 1950 Ford pickup he named “Old Blue” that he owned approximately 60 years and is still parked in his garage today.

Loving father of Johnny (Tina) Hamner Jr. of Kelseyville, California, Naomi “Deon” Hamner of Lakeport and Tracie Pettenger of Sacramento. Proud grandfather of Laura Pettenger, Sarah (Joe) Heaney, Sarah Aiken, Ashley Dahlin, James Aikin and Kenny Karns. Great-grandfather of J.J. Heaney and Aiden Williams, with many nieces, nephews, relatives and lifelong friends including Alan Hyden and the late Rodney Saling.

Johnny was a gentle and kind man and yet a strong patriarch of his family. He was a man that will be deeply missed by us all.

A celebration of life will be held for Johnny on Saturday, Oct. 26, at noon at Lakeside County Park, 1985 Park Drive in Kelseyville. There will be a potluck picnic.

Everyone is invited to join us as we share the many eventful moments and memories of his life.

To sign in your favorite dish or for more information please contact Tracie at 916-539-8470.