Darron Lee Johnson, 67, of Collinsville, Ill., born Thursday, May 1, 1947, in Madison, Wis., passed away at 9:08 p.m. Saturday, September 27, 2014, at his residence.

Darron was retired from the Collinsville Police Dept. in 1998, after serving for 25 years, from Sept. 25, 1973 to May 3, 1998, and was the first DARE officer. He was previously a motorcycle officer with the Clark County Sherrif's Dept., Las Vegas, Nev. He served his country in the U.S. Air Force, and one tour of duty in Vietnam from 1967 to 1968. He was a life member of the V.F.W. Post 5691, and the American Legion Post 364 in Collinsville, Ill., and a member of the Edwardsville Gun Club.

One of his greatest joys was riding his motorcycle; and enjoyed playing with RC planes, boats, and helicopters. He loved listening to old country music, including the Statler Brothers, and Johnny Cash; and Celtic Thunder. The song, "Will You Love Me Forever", was his favorite song, by the artist Meatloaf. Darron was married to the love of his life, Nann for almost 30 years, and they enjoyed playing chess every day, and visiting with the children and grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Viola Johnson; his father, Clifford Copeland; and a brother, Michael Copeland.

Surviving are his wife, Nannette, nee Adams, Johnson of Collinsville, Ill.; two sons, Darren Johnson of Granite City, Ill. and Bryan (Sylvia) Adams of Belmont, Calif.; two daughters, Tammy McKenna of Caseyville, Ill. and Tracy Sturniolo of Collinsville, Ill., and two grandchildren, Ashley Sturniola and Jacob Johnson; a sister, Vikki (Thomas) Zagaruyka of Rowlett, Texas; an aunt, Marion Jackson of Stoughton, Wis.; his former wife, Paula (Lowell) Burton of Caseyville, Ill.; many nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association, or the Wounded Warriors Foundation. Condolences may be expressed to the family at: www.herrfuneral.com.

Visitation: Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, September 30, 2014, at Herr Funeral Home, Collinsville, Ill.

Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, October 1, 2014, with Rev. Michael Walther officiating. Burial will be in St. John Cemetery, Collinsville, Ill.