John S. “Sam” Lafferty, 95 of Aledo, Illinois, passed away Saturday, March 28, 2026, at MercyOne Genesis Aledo Medical Center. Graveside Services will be
1 p.m., Thursday, April 2, at the Aledo Cemetery. There is no visitation. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be left to the Mercer County VFW Post 1571. Fippinger Funeral Home in Aledo is in charge of the arrangements, and online condolences can be made at www.fippingerfuneralhome.com.
Sam was born November 2, 1930, in Monmouth, Illinois, a son of Bert and Bernice Morrow Lafferty. He attended Mercer County Schools and graduated from the former Viola High School and Brown’s Business College in Galesburg. He married Twila R. “Posie” Johnson on October 31, 1954. They were married for 64 years until her passing on March 30, 2019.
Sam was a U.S. Army Veteran having served during the Korean Conflict. He was retired from Bituminous Insurance Companies in Rock Island. Sam was active for many years in bowling and golf leagues in Aledo and in his earlier years with the Boy’s Baseball Leagues in Aledo. After retirement, he dedicated the rest of his life to his family and volunteer service. Sam also enjoyed travelling and was an avid Cubs fan.
He is survived by his daughter, Debra Lafferty of Aledo, Illinois; two grandsons, Shawn (Libby) Lafferty of New Braunfels, Texas, and Nicholas (Crystal) Lafferty of Frisco, Texas; great grandchildren, Alex, Christian, Mia, Gabriella, Sophia, and Nicholas, Jr., all of Texas; daughter-in-law, Bonny Heinrichs of Aledo; Bonny’s children, Will (Amanda) Heinrichs of Aledo and Debra Heinrichs of Moline, Illinois; Bonny’s grandchildren, Keely, Brecken, Brady, and Brenna, all of Aledo; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Posie; son, Patrick “Pat;” and all siblings.