Rodger W. Sampson

Rodger W. Sampson, 60, a.k.a. “Rams Man,” of Davenport, passed away on January 3, 2011. He was surrounded by all of his family at home, and they were able to share the loving experience together as Rodger began his walk with God. He fought a long battle with cancer. Funeral services will be Friday, January 7, 2011 at 10:00 am at The Runge Mortuary. Visitation will be Thursday from 5-7 pm at the mortuary. Burial will be in Pine Hill Cemetery, Davenport. Memorials may be made to the Scott County Sheriff’s Department for the DARE Program. Online condolences may be left at www.therungemortuary.com

Rodger was born September 11, 1950 in Sheridan, WY. He grew up in a small town of London Mills, IL where he lived with his brother, Rusty Brashear and his mother, Elizabeth Ann Sampson. He graduated from Valley High School in Fairview, IL in 1968. He continued his education graduating with an Associate Degree from Carl Sandburg College in Law Enforcement. He was an Elmwood, Illinois police officer for two years and a Scott County Sheriff Deputy for twenty-one years until his illness did not allow him to continue. In the last two years of his service for Scott County, he was a D.A.R.E. officer. He enjoyed teaching children and being around them and showing them right from wrong. For many years prior to his law enforcement career, he created a sports program for children in the town of Knoxville, IL. He loved to coach children and teach them that winning was not the only thing in life, having fun was. Rodger was a sports fanatic; he loved the St. Louis Rams and Cardinals. He had many enjoyable days either watching, playing or attending the games. He resided many years in Knoxville working for OMC, Inc, in Galesburg, IL since he was 18.

In London Mills, Illinois, he met the love of his life, Geraldine Phillips and was united in marriage to her on November 29, 1969. They shared forty-one years together.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Geri, Davenport, son, Adam (Nikki) Sampson, daughter, Patti Sampson Steeno, his pride and enjoy were his grandchildren: Zachary, Sean, Brittany, Lukas, Ashley, Andrea and Mitchel, one great grandchild, Blade Sampson and his brother, Rusty Brashear. His mother and his beloved dog, Sampi preceded him in death.