Jerry "Sam" Boney

Jerry “Sam” Boney of Monmouth, Illinois, passed away on Saturday, June 28, following a 5 year battle with colon cancer.

Sam was born in Moline, Illinois, on July 26, 1959, to James and Ruth Boney, and was raised in Kansas City, Kansas with his siblings, Della and Ron. He spent many summers during his childhood visiting family in Reynolds, Illinois, and Port Byron, Illinois, eventually moving back to Reynolds after graduating from JC Harmon High School in Kansas City.

Always showing a knack for mechanical pursuits, he worked as an electrician before becoming a commercial truck mechanic, first at Munson Transportation, followed by Truck Centers and Quad Cities Kenworth/MHC, the latter from which he retired in 2024 after 27 years.

Now, back to those summers in Reynolds: it turns out that’s actually where the story of Sam’s life really got started thanks to a few fateful visits that led him to cross paths with Joanie Newton. The two met briefly as kids, but it wasn’t until several years later when they met again while Joanie was babysitting Sam’s young cousin Stan Boney that sparks flew. Stan, the unwitting matchmaker at the tender age of 5, would later serve as junior groomsman in their wedding in 1983. Sam and Joanie Boney were married for 41 years and had two children, Justine and Marshall, and countless honorary kids thanks to Joanie’s home daycare business of over 30 years.

A man of few words, Sam expressed appreciation and affection through quiet gestures that spoke volumes, turning everyday tasks like car maintenance and home improvements into a love language. True joy for him was spending the day tinkering away at a project, precisely mowing the lawn just so, and kicking back with a crisp, cold Miller High Life in his beloved climate-controlled workshop complete with full sound system and TV, which was usually tuned to a Chicago Cubs or Kansas City Chiefs game.

You could always find Sam listening to music, and it became even more important to him throughout his cancer journey. The soundtrack of Sam’s life included Janis Joplin, Cat Stevens, Steely Dan, Arlo Guthrie, Fleetwood Mac, Todd Rundgren, Steve Miller Band, Boney James, and CCR. The family enjoyed summer trips to attend concerts at Ravinia near Chicago, as well as local jazz and blues festivals.

Adrenaline junkies at heart who bonded over sprint cars and thrill rides, Sam and Joanie loved chasing the biggest, fastest, and tallest roller coasters all over the country, much to the chagrin of their more risk-averse children (although they would later come around to enjoy a good coaster like their parents). Many summer vacations were spent at Cedar Point, a family favorite.

A devoted blood donor for Mississippi Valley Blood Center, Sam donated more than 11 gallons of blood over the years and frequently received accolades for his loyal contributions.

He is survived by wife Joanie, daughter Justine, and son Marshall; siblings Della Alcanter and Ron (Marilyn) Boney; in-laws Andrea and Jack Newton and Natalie (Steve) Encapera; cousin Stan (Beth) Boney; cats Bella and Stumpy; and grand-dog Harold Baines.

He is preceded in death by his parents James and Ruth Boney; aunt and uncle Millie and Jack Boney; niece Angela Tatum; and cousin Kaitlyn Boney.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 26, with more details to come. Donations may be made in Sam’s memory to Western Illinois Animal Rescue and Jamieson Center.

Sam savored the simple pleasures in life, and we hope you honor his memory by doing the same. Go mow the lawn with meticulous precision, enjoy a big breakfast at a hole-in-the-wall diner, tailgate with your friends at a race, or just throw on your favorite record and grab a cold High Life or two. Cheers to you, Sam.