Glenn Gaylord Johnson

Glenn Gaylord Johnson, 94, of Geneseo, IL, passed away on December 8, 2025, at Hope Creek Nursing and Rehab Facility in East Moline, IL. Cremation rites have been accorded. Vandemore Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements. Memorials may be directed to the family of Glenn Johnson.

Glenn was born on March 6, 1931, in Davenport, IA, the son of William and Ada (Kelling) Johnson. Glenn was a devoted tow boat captain and spent many years on the river. Even as a child, Glenn enjoyed clamming at the Mississippi River and spending time on his houseboat. He was the last pilot of the Lone Star, which was decommissioned in 1968 and can now be found in the Buffalo Bill Museum in Le Claire, IA. Glenn retired as Port Captain in 1993. He enjoyed golfing, his nightly beer, and being an active member of the Antique Engine and Tractor Association.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Debra of Geneseo, IL; children, Bradley (Joleen) Carpenter of Monroe, NC, Samantha (Curt) Busse of Clayton, GA; brother Ronald (Deb) Johnson of Port Byron, IL; sister, Shirley Hanson of Wisconsin; sister and brother-in-law, Denise (Mike) Ward; grandchildren, Brandon Carpenter, Jenna (Hunter) Grimm, Jaymee Carpenter, Breanna Carpenter, Davis Busse, and special-step-granddaughter, Lisa LaBelle, who visited Glenn many times and always brought him sweets; great-grandchildren, Link and Banks Grimm; and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, William and Ada Johnson; first wife, Eleanor Johnson; sister, Sandra Charlan; and brother, Wes Johnson; father and mother-in-law, Gene and Shirley Fisher; and sister-in-law, Julie Fisher.