Tommie E. Samuels

Tommie E. Samuels, a lifetime area resident, living at 20759 W. 11A Road, Plymouth, died, following an illness, in Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, Plymouth, at 9:29 a.m. on Tuesday, January 6, 2004. Tommie was 68 years old.
He was born in Plymouth, the son of Evert “Jack” and Goldia Gross Samuels, on October 8, 1935. He attended West High School and later received his G.E.D.
Tommie served in the United States Army from 1958 to 1960.
A farmer and a truck driver, he loved to farm. He hunted when he was younger and was an avid reader.
A member of the Knox American Legion Post 131, he also was a member of the Men’s Auxiliary of the Plymouth V.F.W.
Tommie is survived by his fiancee, Margaret Dehne, Plymouth, and by his children: four sons and two daughters.
His sons are: Tim and Cheryl Samuels, Lawton, Okla.; Rick and Becky Samuels, Bourbon, Ind.; Kent and Peggy Samuels, Va.; and Harold and Carrie Samuels of Bremen, Ind. Tommie’s daughters are Tena Guard, Nappanee, Ind.; and Shelby and Rick Purdey, Argos, Ind.
Thirteen grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren also survive together with five sisters. They are: Dollie and Richard Ketcham, Ethel F. Johnson, Cleo M. and Glen Berger, Ruby and Jim Whiteman and Velma and Charlie Ottow, all from Plymouth.
Tommie was preceded in death by his parents and four brothers: Ernest, Albert J., Ira and John Samuels. Four sisters, Ruth L. Murray, Wanda Samuels, Lula Patterson and Stella Hagle have also died.
Friends may visit with Tommie’s family from 3 to 7 p.m. on Friday, January 9, 2004, in the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan St., Plymouth.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2004, at 10 a.m. in the funeral home. The Revs. Joe Rodgers and Ed Hasnerl, pastors of the Eagle Creek Church, will officiate.
Interment will be in Gross Cemetery, Plymouth, where Military graveside honors will be provided by Knox American Legion Post 131.
Memorial gifts in Tommie’s memory may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.