John (Sam) Johnson

John Samuel Johnson (Sam), 93, of Fairbury, Nebraska, passed away at his home June 25, 2019. He was born September 25, 1925 in Mahaska, Kansas to Guy and Leona (McFarland) Johnson. He had five brothers, Jim, Luther, Bill and Guy Jr., and one sister, Maxine.

Sam attended Fairbury High School and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps as an Aircraft Mechanic and Marksman. He married his sweetheart, Marilyn Ruth Babcock, on May 12, 1943, and of this union were born three daughters, Judy, Sherrie and Sandy.

Sam deployed in December 1943, to the Asiatic-Pacific Area (Emirau; Mindanao) in support of World War II, and actively participated in the following operations thru 1946: Consolidation of the Northern Solomons; Liberation of the Philippines. He was later recalled to active duty in January 1951 to serve an additional enlistment in support of Korean War operations.

Aside from his military service, Sam worked for 41 years in all, with 33 of them at the freight dock for the Rock Island Railroad. He also was a proud employee of Eigenberg Produce, where he drove trucks hauling chickens between small town produce stations and the Campbell Soup poultry processing facility in Tecumseh, Nebraska. He enjoyed driving trucks and meeting people in his travels throughout many states.

Anyone who knew Sam, loved him, and rightfully so. Family was very important to him and he enjoyed many special bonds. He was known for his quick wit, sense of humor, and love of jokes. His favorite activities included hunting, fishing and horses. He also enjoyed listening to good ol’ country music records, like Johnny Cash, Hank Snow, and Charlie Pride.

Sam is survived by his three daughters, Judy Schmohr of Lincoln, Sherrie Johnson of Fairbury, and Sandy (Jim) Bulin of Fairbury; four grandchildren, Ed (Angie) Schmohr, John (Amy) Schmohr, Anthony (Katie) Bulin and Tarilyn (Jason) Bernal; seven great-grandchildren, Christian, Garrett, Riley, Amanda, Lance, Beau and Shipley; two great-great grandchildren, Michael and Aydan, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Marilyn; parents Guy and Leona; brothers, Jim, Luther, Bill, Guy Jr., and sister Maxine.

Services will be Monday, July 1, 2019 at 1:30 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Fairbury.  The family will greet friends at the Funeral Home on Sunday evening from 4:00 – 7:00.  Burial will be in the Fairbury Cemetery. Memorials will go to the Family’s Choice.  Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home in Fairbury is in charge of arrangements. www.gerdesmeyerfh.com