Because Sam Johnson (or Samuel Johnson) is an incredibly common name, public records show several different individuals depending on the location, profession, or timeframe you are focusing on.
The most notable recent public obituary notices and historical records include:
1. Samuel Edgar Johnson II (Astoria, Oregon) — 1944–2026
If you are searching for a prominent figure in the Pacific Northwest community, this refers to Sam Johnson, the highly respected retired Executive Director of the Columbia River Maritime Museum (CRMM). He passed away peacefully at his home on March 22, 2026, following a battle with pancreatic cancer.
The Legacy: A marine biologist by training (with degrees from Stanford and the University of Michigan), he spent his life as a scientist, natural historian, and passionate botanical illustrator. During his tenure leading the CRMM, he significantly grew its foundation and spearheaded the museum’s historic Cedar and Sea exhibit highlighting Coastal Indigenous culture.
Services: A celebration of his life was hosted by his family and colleagues on May 8, 2026, at the Barbey Maritime Center in Astoria.
2. Samuel W. Johnson (Coatesville, Pennsylvania) — 1924–2026
A remarkable centenarian and U.S. military veteran who passed away peacefully at his home on January 1, 2026, at the age of 101.
Background: Born in West Grove, PA, he proudly served in the U.S. Army during World War II, surviving combat in the Battle of the Bulge. Following the war, he worked for 44 years at Lukens Steel Co. before enjoying a 39-year retirement.
Passions: He was well-known in regional Pennsylvania communities as an avid gardener and an enthusiastic member of the Cruisin’ Classics Car Club, frequently winning local car show awards with his prized 1957 Chevy Bel Air. He left behind a vast family legacy spanning 12 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, and 10 great-great-grandchildren.
3. Congressman Sam Johnson (Plano, Texas) — 1930–2020
If you are researching prominent political or military figures, this refers to the iconic U.S. Representative and decorated military hero who passed away on May 27, 2020, at the age of 89.
Military Heroism: He spent 29 years in the U.S. Air Force, flying combat missions in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. In 1966, he was shot down over North Vietnam and spent nearly seven years as a Prisoner of War (POW) in the infamous “Hanoi Hilton,” surviving brutal torture alongside John McCain.
Political Career: He later served in the Texas House of Representatives before being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, where he served Collin County faithfully from 1991 until his retirement in 2019.
4. Samuel Austin Johnson (Garland, Texas) — 1951–2026
A 74-year-old U.S. Air Force Veteran and systems engineer who passed away on January 29, 2026, following a long-fought battle with cancer. Known to friends as “Sonny,” he served his country for 24 years, retiring as a Master Sergeant before returning to Texas to finish his degree at Southern Illinois University. Services were held at the DFW National Cemetery in Dallas.
5. Samuel Johnson (Fayetteville/Mableton, Georgia) — 1953–2026
A 73-year-old resident of Fayetteville, Georgia, who passed away recently on May 7, 2026. His final arrangements and local tributes were managed by the F.L. Sims Funeral Home in Mableton, Georgia.
If you are looking for an obituary for a different private citizen, a family friend, or a community member from a specific town not listed here, please reply with the city, state, or approximate age so I can pull the exact record.
