As with most things in life, good human interest stories and heroes need sufficient time to develop. Sadly in too many cases, these people and events rarely see the light of day, but their efforts and contributions to society are no less diminished by the lack of notoriety. They are known as Unsung Heroes—most you would not recognize, but they walk among us and are very necessary. 

“People grow through experience if they meet life honestly and courageously. This is how character is built.” Eleanor Roosevelt. 

He was born on May 3, 1946 in Peoria at Methodist Hospital to Ruth and Oliver Johnson, who worked a grain and dairy farm near Varna, IL. Early on in his young life, Dan was taught discipline—a very strong work ethic and responsibility. He had one sister, Dianne, and two brothers, Larry and David. He says he has milked his fair share of cows in his life, 25 twice a day at 12 years old. He played sports in the Mid County Bulldog school system. In all of those years, his mother had a steady influence on him with church and choir and guided and molded his personality into the compassionate and caring man he is today. In 1964, he enrolled at Southern Illinois University for two years and then on to enlist in the United States Army in Fort Bragg, NC with the 7th Special Forces Group holding the position of Combat Engineer Spec. 5. During this period Dan learned from his Captain that his Marine brother Larry was killed in Vietnam. It was a very hard and severe blow to absorb. After the army, he worked construction on and off for two years then landed at Caterpillar and had a 35-year career, and retired in 2009. 

At the age of 32 in November 1978, at the old Chillicothe Bible Church, he married his newly found and true love, Dianne Gibson. Nathan was born in 1985 and Caleb in 1987. With his stepdaughter, Monica, and the boys his family was complete. But in 2007, Dan’s strength and faith were to be tested again on July 13th with the tragic death of Nathan, in a car crash—he was 22. As time passed, a lady named Sharon urged Dan to work part-time for the city and he started in 2013. He was back in his element and loves being outdoors working with a crack team that manicures the cemetery and grooms the city parks in the mowing season as well as any other extra jobs needed to be done for Public Works. On this team are other unsung heroes like Matt Storti, Jon Duvall, Chuck Miars, Lisa Robbins, Noah Morrisey, Gunner Powers, and Jerry Myers. Public Works Superintendent Shawn Sutherland says, “They are top-notch people that enhance the beauty of our town each year and deserve recognition for their efforts.” Dan claims only to be an average, simple man who loves people, and his job that helps produce one of the most beautiful cemeteries anywhere in Illinois. 

In 2018, Dan was to be tested for a third time and all his parents’ teachings and his still rock-solid faith were needed once more. Dianne passed away from a battle with kidney cancer and he wondered, “what will be next after losing this most beautiful creature that I have loved for forty years.” One day in the winter of 2019 after shoveling some snow, Dan felt out of sorts and it was discovered that a heart condition was slowly getting worse and he was advised and required to limit his duties with some restrictions. And he does that, but he still mows grass and states, “If I must leave this earth I would prefer it happen here, while at work doing the job I love, in the open fresh air, under blue and sunny skies, with an occasional cool breeze across my brow and the sounds of Chillicothe in the distance. I hold no grudges and have no complaints. I have been blessed with many friends and I am proud of my family’s history in the early settling of Chillicothe as being related to the Reed family settlers.” 

Someday, if you pass by the cemetery, you may spot an old worn and faded ball cap that covers a well-tanned and handsome weathered face, occupied by a large white and speckled Sam Elliot mustache. If so, honk and wave to Dan or stop and shake his calloused hand in gratitude. To say that he is the salt of the earth would define him best and I have never met a person I respect more for being so genuine and real—we could use more of his ilk. 

There have been and always will be Hometown Heroes in Chillicothe of different walks, occupations, and stature and now Dan Johnson, a man of great faith, strength, and fortitude joins those ranks. 

Thank You, Dan.