Sabin R. Johnson's Obituary
Sabin R. Johnson, of Arcola, IL, passed away peacefully at 11:34pm on Friday, February 6, 2026, at Sarah Bush Lincoln in Mattoon, IL, with his family at his side. Sabin was born on December 15, 1956, in Tucson, Arizona. He was the son of John R. Johnson and Marilyn Boot.
Sabin married Sharon Goens on December 20, 1974. Together they had 4 children, Jennifer (Adam) Alvis of Arcola, IL, Janet Johnson (James Foster) of Quilcene, WA, Joy (Jason) Kline of Sullivan, IL, and John (Cori) Johnson of Lerna, IL, before they divorced. Sabin was a grandfather to 10 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild on the way.
Sabin had a large family consisting of three sisters, Sabrina McCaughan, Kimberly Diaz (Rich) Riddle, Cheryl (Tim) Hunt, and one brother, Adrian Hayden. He was also brought in as a foster child to the family of Fred and Rosie Gray of Lovington, IL, where he had multiple siblings.
Sabin was previously employed by General Steel & Metals in Mattoon, IL, and Gano Welding in Charleston, IL. He enjoyed a life full of friends and family. Sabin’s passions were building and working on race cars, banging gears in his 1939 Chevrolet Sedan, and spending several weekends at Coles County Dragway. He also enjoyed the slower pace of fishing and camping during his retirement.
Sabin is preceded in death by his father John Johnson, his mother Marilyn Boot, his brother Adrian Hayden, sister Sabrina McCaughan, ex-mother-in-law Frances Goad, ex-father-in-law Elvin Goad, foster father Fred Gray, brother-in-law Charles (Chuck) Goens, and brother-in-law Joe Cavannah.
The family invites friends and family to a Celebration of Life on Sunday, May 24, 2026, from 1pm to 5pm at the Family of Life Center, 2323 W. State St., Lovington, IL. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Sabin’s name to the charity of your choice.
Moran & Goebel Funeral Home is providing cremation services for Sabin. Condolences may be shared with the family at https://www.moranandgoebel.com.
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