Johnny Valenzuela McClish

Johnny Valenzuela McClish, 72, of Buckeye, Arizona entered into heaven on July 15, 2020. He was born in Phoenix, Arizona on August 30, 1947 to Alicia (Valenzuela) and Ruben Mariscal McClish. Johnny was raised in Phoenix and attended Our Lady of Fatima Church where he served as an altar boy. While attending a church gathering, Johnny met the love of his life, Betty Lou Bingochea.

In 1966 he graduated from Carl Hayden High School. He then enrolled at Maricopa Tech and secured a position at Western Electric Company as a Technician. Soon after he was drafted to serve in the United States Army and while home on R&R, Johnny had asked Betty Lou to marry him.

After completing basic training he was deployed to Vietnam, and was assigned as a Huey Door Gunner. He achieved medals for Sharpshooter with an M-14 Rifle and Machine Gun Expert. He was awarded the Air Medal, the Bronze Star Medal with V-Device, Army Commendation Medal with V-Device, Vietnam Cross 0f Gallantry, and The Purple Heart. Johnny is a true American Hero.

After being honorably discharged he returned home and back to work at Western Electric. Months later in 1969, he, Betty Lou, and a plane full of family and friends, flew to Hawaii to be married at Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace Church in Honolulu on July 15th. The same day he returned to our Lord 51 years later. Johnny and Betty Lou had three beautiful children together.

Johnny loved helicopters, as they reminded him of the Army and the time he served our county. He enjoyed collecting hats and coins. He had countless hours volunteering at several VA Hospitals where he visited patients with his therapy dog Ralphy. He was also known for his outstanding wood working skills which he shared with many of the patients at the VA woodshop.

Johnny leaves behind his love of 51 years Betty Lou McClish; his children Johanna A. Mitchell, Ilima Catherine Delgado, Marcus M. McClish and his daughter-in-law Dolores “Lores” McClish. His Grandchildren: Jose Delgado Jr., Darryl L. McClish, Dr. Benjamin J. Delgado, Marc D. McClish and his wife Alexis McClish, Michael L. Delgado, Jeremiah D. Delgado, Dylan McClish-Smith, Alonzo McClish-Martin, and his two beautiful great granddaughters, Ella and Mila McClish. He also leaves behind his youngest brother Jimmy McClish and his wife Maggie, and many other family members and friends.