Johnny Etchebarren was born to Grecian and Mabel (Rooker) Etchebarren in May 1933. He passed away on Feb. 9, 2013. He attended schools in Austin, Duckwater, Current Creek, and Stewart Indian Boarding School.
Johnny served in the Army, Second Armed Division "Hell on Wheels," at the end of the Korean Conflict, in Germany. He was a Tanker Operator. Johnny worked on Track M-59 tanks and that's where he learned his passion for being a mechanic. He could fix or modify any type of vehicle.
In 1958 he moved to Battle Mountain and worked for Magnet Coves Barite for two years. Johnny then worked for the Liking Ranch for 14 years and spent the next 26 years working for Baker Hughes. He retired from Baker Hughes in 2000.
Johnny is survived by a daughter, Jessica Joan (Raymond) Cornpeach of Whiterocks, Utah, and two grandsons, Evan and Nathaniel. He is also survived by a step-daughter, Corinne (Tony) Sampson, of Nixon, Nev., and grandchildren Tony Jr., Ceira, Jeremiah, and Tahnaya. He is survived by a sister, Mary McCloud of Schurz, Nev., and numerous nephews and nieces.
Johnny was preceded in death by his parents; his four sisters, Pauline Etchebarren, Geraldine Etchebarren, Julia Potts Williams, and Emily Potts Oppenhein; and his two brothers, Olen Herbert Potts and Bruno Potts.
A special thank you to his nieces: Blanche (Dave), Cloressa, and Julia Oppenhein, and their kids for the special care they provided to Johnny in his last days.
He was a true cowboy, even if he didn't dress like one. Johnny ran and captured mustangs the "old way" - man against horse, pitting endurance, wit, and traditional methods. The horse spirit he understood and practiced.
Johnny was a generous person, helping friends and family and he made donations to many charities. Johnny was a simple man with simple pleasures. He didn't like all the hoopla and fuss over him, but he was a great man and we can't help ourselves.
At Johnny's request he was taken home to Battle Mountain on Wednesday, Feb. 13. Friends and family were welcome to stop by to visit his family. On Thursday, Feb. 14, there was a Sunrise Ceremony in Battle Mountain. That was followed by a graveside ceremony at the Austin Cemetery in Austin, Nev. Later Thursday, a traditional feed took place in Battle Mountain at the tribal administration building.
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