Johnnie L. Fagundes, III

Johnnie Leslie Fagundes III, lovingly known as “Senior,” passed away peacefully on February 10, 2026, at the age of 96, surrounded by the love of his family.

Johnnie was born on August 9, 1929, in Hanford to John and Mary Fagundes, and he remained a lifelong resident of the community he loved. He attended Wayne Grammar School and Hanford High School. From an early age he developed a deep connection to horses — a passion that stayed with him throughout his life — and he became especially known for his golden palominos, each proudly bearing the name Hawk.

Immediately following high school, Johnnie began farming alongside his father and brother in 1948. What started as a modest operation with 30 Holstein milk cows and 90 acres grew steadily through hard work, determination, and a willingness to try new things. That same year, they planted three acres of cotton — then a new crop to the area — harvesting it by hand and producing six bales. Over the decades, the farm expanded to include alfalfa, corn, wheat, barley, and milo, followed by permanent plantings of peaches, nectarines, plums, and kiwifruit. In 1972, Johnnie agreed to plant another new crop, kiwifruit and traveled to New Zealand to see the orchards firsthand. On his return, he doubled his acreage of kiwi and continued to grow and pack them ever since. The operation continued to diversify over the years, with growing the dairy and additional livestock including catfish, turkeys, and meat ducks.

Johnnie served six years in the Army National Guard, achieving the rank of Sergeant and serving as a Squad Leader. He was deeply involved in agricultural and community organizations, contributing his time and leadership to numerous boards and associations throughout the years. He served on the Kings River–Hardwick School Board, Consolidated Milk Producers, the California Kiwifruit Commission, and the Kings County Sheriff’s Posse. He also represented California growers multiple times as a delegate at the International Kiwifruit Organization.

Known for his strong opinions, sharp wit, and unmistakable presence, Johnnie built lasting friendships throughout his life. A familiar and welcome sight on Sunday mornings, he could often be found at the local donut shop sharing coffee and conversation with friends — never forgetting to bring donuts afterward to both his grandchildren and his horses. He loved hunting and fishing, traveling to Montana each year to do both. He is the only Californian to have his trophy fish photo on the wall in Chick’s.

Johnnie is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Polly; his sister, Gerri (Ceil) Howe; his sons, Johnnie IV (Lynne) and Bruce (Tina); his daughter, Debra (Dana) Pitman; stepdaughters Louise Metzler and Roberta Silva; grandchildren; Aaron (Markee) Metzler, Andrew Metzler, Brittany (Jon) Justeson, Mary (Lyle) Chambers, Tyler Fagundes, Ashlyn (Blake) Fletcher, Nicole Pitman, Taryn Fagundes, and Michael Pitman; great-grandchildren McKenna, Olivia, Adaline, Jasper, Rylinn, Johnni, Elias, Benson, and Austin; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Clarence (Lena) Fagundes; his sister, Lucille (Wayne) Edwards; an infant daughter; and his former wife and good friend, Nativa Fagundes.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on March 2 at Calvary Cemetery in Hanford, California.

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