John Darwin Slain

August 23, 1934 - March 17, 2020

J. Darwin Slain age 85 of Dixon died Tuesday March 17, 2020, St Patrick's Day, Irish heritage proud, at KSB Hospital in Dixon. He was born Aug. 23, 1934 in Dixon the son of John and Helen (Stacey) Slain and was a lifelong Dixon resident. Darwin married Verna Adams Oct. 27, 1956. He worked at Dixon Publishing for 45 years retiring as superintendent of the plate department. He was a PFC in the Army. He was stationed in Germany from 1957 to 1959 where Verna joined him and his oldest daughter was born. Incredibly hard worker, trusted, and well respected. He especially enjoyed any type of family gathering, from gatherings at the home he and Verna built in 1962 to fishing trips and day trips to various locations throughout the Midwest. Fishing trips were the highlight in his life. As he was driving back from one trip, he was planning for his next adventure. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Ed Slain, brother in law Larry Wilson, grandson Christopher Carroll, niece Kate (Brokaw) McDowell, and nephew Steven Slain. Darwin is survived by his beloved wife Verna, children Liz (Stu) Epstein and their children Bekah Epstein and Josh (Karen) Epstein; Diane (Tom) Carroll and their children Jen (Loren) Reed, Tommy Carroll, John Carroll, Kate Carroll, and Annie Carroll; Dan (Linda) Slain and their children Danielle Slain, David Slain, Adam (Jessica) Slain; Janet (Dave) Ginn and their children Tessa Ginn, Patrick Ginn and Molly Ginn; and adored great grandchildren Linden Reed and Hunter Slain; sisters Donna Wilson and Mary (Kim) Brokaw, brother Tom (Diane) Slain, sister in law Fran Slain and special nephew Bob (Mardelle) Slain. A private family Mass was held with burial and military honors at Oakwood Cemetery. A public memorial service will be held at a later date. A memorial has been established to St. Anne Parish and School and St. Jude Children Hospital.