Sammy Johnson

Sammy Kent Johnson, 73, died Nov. 21, 2018 at Cottage Hospital in Galesburg, IL after a brief admission due to complication of dementia. Sam worked at Kraft Foods in Manlius before being employed by Northwestern Steel and Wire Co for 30 some years of service working in the nail room and shipping department retiring upon the closure of the plant. Following retirement from the mill, he worked for LSSI for an additional 8 years. Sam was born on May 25, 1945 in Princeton, IL, the son of Lester Emerson Johnson and Dana Belle (Powell) Johnson. He attended Manlius schools. He married Donna Miller on April 3, 1965. Later marrying Cheryl Lashley on June 4, 2001. Sam was well known as a left handed fast pitch softball player. To his credit he pitched in two world tournaments. Survivors include his wife Cheryl of Sterling, son Timmy (Andrea) of Kansas, daughter Kayla Webber of Sterling, his sister Patricia (Howard) Batten of Tampico and brother Robert (Sharon) Johnson of Rock Falls. He was preceded in death by his two year old son Tommy, his parents, and sister Janice Cooper. Sam wanted his family and friends to remember him “only in life as I was……..and not in death.” Therefore, in accordance with Sam’s wishes there will be a private service. May there be no sadness in his farewell to this earthly life. Surely the angels danced for joy as his son, parents, and sister met him at the gates of Heaven. May the perpetual light shine on him in the glory of God.