ROCKFORD – The Rev. Darrell Dane Sample, 87, of Rockford, passed away Monday, July 30, 2012, at his home.

He was born Dec. 3, 1924, in Springfield, a son of Roscoe and Essie (Miller) Sample. He grew up on a farm in Girard. He later moved with his parents and brother to Donnellson. Here, he met his soulmate, Patricia Pownall. They married and enjoyed 67 years of a beautiful life together. Darrell served in the Army in General Douglas McArthur’s headquarters in the Philippines and Japan during the last years of World War II. He then attended McKendree College in Lebanon, where he majored in religion and philosophy. He graduated from Garrett Theological Seminary in Evanston and was ordained a United Methodist pastor. Darrell enjoyed participating in high school sports and taking part in drama productions during high school and college years. He was a kind and gentle man who lived by the Bible verse “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

After Darrell retired from his years as a pastor, he had to find some way to help others besides volunteer work. He found that mission by graduating from Florida School of Massage while wintering in Florida and obtaining their state license. He was a member of the national Massage Therapy Association and lobbied with a group to get Illinois to license massage therapists. Darrell loved hymns written by Natalie Sleeth, whose husband, Ron, was his adviser and friend at Garrett, and he felt so blessed to know both of them. He was a loving and faithful pastor as he served the following churches: Okawville, Greenwood and Ringwood as student pastor, Highland Park/Highwood Bethany UMC, Rockford Christ UMC, Glencoe North Shore UMC, Joliet Grace UMC and Dixon First UMC. After his retirement he served as interim pastor for several congregations. Darrell dearly loved his family and was so proud of all of them.