John Allen Warthan
John (Al) Allen Warthan was born February 18 or 19 (depending on who you asked, his mother or the government) in 1935 on the family homestead in Annona, Texas. His younger brother James, was born there as well. Al was always very proud to be a Texan.
The family packed up and moved to Hawthorne, Nev. in 1949. Al attended Mineral County High School in Hawthorne and was active in sports, the student government and was also very active in their church. He graduated from high school in 1953.
Al attended Westmount College in Santa Barbara, Calif. where he met Sally, the love of his life. They were married June 18, 1956. In 1958, they moved to the Reno area with their two young sons, Gregory and Kenneth and soon after came Robert.
Sally got a teaching job with the Washoe County School District, while Al completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Education from the University of Nevada Reno. Shortly after his graduation, Al started working for the Washoe County School District, as well. Both Al and Sal taught for the school district for about forty-years. Most of that time was spent teaching at the Pleasant Valley Elementary School.
Al was very involved with his community. He served as an Auxiliary Police Officer for the City of Sparks, was one of the earliest members of the Pleasant Valley Volunteer Fire Department, was a key supporter of the Parent Teacher Association, the Boy Scouts and yes, even the Girl Scouts when his granddaughters were involved.
Al loved teaching and loved to travel with family and friends, every chance he had. He visited forty-seven of the fifty states and several foreign countries. Al and Sal’s traveling group is called the “Vagabonds” and they still get together every chance they get. Al’s favorite traveling destination was Mexico, especially in the winter time. Anyone that knew Al and Sal, knew how they felt about the cold weather, so Bahia De Kino, Mexico become their home.
Al is survived by his wife: Sally, of 62 years, his brother, James and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. His son’s Robert and Gregory preceded Al in death, and in a few short months after Al’s death, his remaining son Kenneth, passed away.
John Allen Warthan went to be with his Lord’ on Nov. 28, 2016 at the age of 81. A Celebration of Al’s life will be held July 15 at 1 p.m. located in the fire station on Lakeshore Drive in East Washoe Valley. Please come and share your remembrances of Al, a very special husband, brother, father, grandfather, great grandfather, teacher and friend. At this time, we also will be celebrating with friends and family, the life of Kenneth Warthan.
