Delbert Johnson

Delbert Edwin Johnson Sr., 60, of Blackwater died May 6, 2022, at home. He was born August 13, 1961, in Sacaton to Edwin Earl Johnson Sr. and Delphine Antone. Delbert attended Coolidge Public Schools until the 10th grade, then attended Sherman Indian High School where he graduated from in 1979. After graduation, he attended Central Arizona College and finished out in Sipi, New Mexico, earning his associate degree in business. He was a dedicated employee of the Gila River Indian community for 23 years. Delbert was a loving, caring and open-hearted cowboy, who loved to participate in rodeos. He started out in Jr Bull Riding, then led to Bareback Riding. In the years later, Delbert settled in Team-Roping which he enjoyed. He loved farming and ranching. He loved to dance to “Waila” music, country, and rock and roll. He also loved spending time with his kids, grandkids, family, and friends. He enjoyed watching the sunsets, and loved to drive his John Deere tractor, attending to his fields.

He is survived by his children, Shaylene Pablo of Sacaton Flats, Sandra Mills of Sacaton, Andrew Eddie, Josephine Eddie, Delbert Johnson, and Shelba Johnson all of Blackwater, his mother Delphine Johnson and his stepmother, Arlene Johnson, his siblings, Drake Lewis, Sharon Lewis, Martha Johnson, Yvonne Marrietta, Rocky Whitman, Doreen Allison, Edwin Johnson Jr., and Carmella Johnson, 22 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his father, Edwin Earl Johnson Sr., and two sisters, Debrah Juste of Blackwater, and Angela Renee Johnson of Oldberg.