Samuel Darwin Johnson "Sam" (77) passed away on March 5, 2024, in Rock Island, IL.

Sam was born January 23, 1947, in Moline, IL, to Arvid and Ruth ( Taylor) Johnson and was a lifelong resident. He was preceded in death by both of his parents in 1974. He is survived by his brother, Dexter, of the home; sister, Durinda (Mike) Ashley, Prairie Village, KS; nephew Michael (Holly) Ashley, Olathe, KS; nieces Meridith (Mitch) Strange, Elisabeth (John) Ashley, Nashville, TN; and great-nieces Ava, Claire and Julia Ashley.

While growing up, Sam played Little League, Babe Ruth, and Legion baseball. He and his dad played catch for hours, and together, they watched many major league baseball games. His favorite team was the Boston Red Sox; later, he became a White Sox fan. While in law school in Chicago, Sam acquired his love of reading from his mother, who always had a book in hand in the evening.

Sam was a 1965 graduate of Moline High School. He received a Bachelor of Arts in History at Cornell College, Mt Vernon, IA, in 1969. He served in the US Army from 1970-1972, stationed at Ft Leonard, WA, and Ft Hood, TX. He then earned a law degree from Chicago-Kent Law School in 1976 with the GI Bill. Following that, he served in the Air National Guard of IL until 1981. He spent most of his career working at the East Moline Correctional Center.

Sam loved a good conversation with friends and new acquaintances. He never really met a stranger. Politics and history were his passions. He had many books on these topics. He read them multiple times and almost always used a yellow highlighter while reading them. He spent hours at bookstores reading and looking at new books. He had a huge and varied collection.

He saw and heard multiple presidents and presidential candidates when they were in the area. The first was Harry Truman on his Whistle Stop Tour in 1948. Sam was perched on his dad's shoulders. Next was John F Kennedy at the Rock Island Field House on his campaign stop through Moline and Rock Island in 1960. In fact, JFK shook hands with him. He got Ronald Reagan's autograph. Sam was there when Bill Clinton was on the campaign trail for Hillary Clinton in Davenport in 2016.

Sam had an inquisitive mind. He took many road trips in Illinois and Iowa, exploring the childhood homes of presidents, historic buildings, museums, and whatever he found along the way. He knew Moline and Rock Island history quite well and loved sharing stories and information with family and friends. Being the good Swede that he was, he loved a good cup of coffee. In his later years, he spent lots of time at Starbucks, visiting with other patrons and the baristas.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Riverside Methodist Church, Moline, on Monday, March 18. Visitation will be from 1 to 3 p.m. The service will be at 3 p.m., followed by a reception at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to assist Dexter Johnson c/o Midwest Bank, 3907 16 Street, Moline, IL 61265.

Family and friends are invited to express condolences on his Tribute Wall at wendtfuneralhome.com.

https://www.wendtfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Samuel-Darwin-Johnson?obId=30939831