Sammy M. Samuels

Sammy M. Samuels, 89, of Fremont, Indiana, passed away on Friday, August 23, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.

Sam was born on September 13, 1934, in Covington, Kentucky to George Joseph Samuels and Georgia Elizabeth Urbahns.  He graduated from Lloyd High School in Covington, Kentucky.

At 10 years old, Sam began his working career as a caddy at Summit Hills Country Club. During this time, he was inspired by members including famous baseball player Ted Kluszewski, which helped form his lifelong desire to be successful.

Sam was a born businessman.  He started as a lineman for Stromberg Carlson Communications and quickly made his way to Sales. During that time, he met the love of his life, Carol Sue Rike, and they were married in 1956 and together they raised 4 children. They remained happily married until her death in 2011.

 In 1968, he realized his dream of owning his own business, when he purchased Swayzee Telephone Company. From there, his  entrepreneurial spirit enabled him to build and manage multiple businesses including Eaton Creek Golf Club, Peace and Plenty restaurant, Two Twos restaurant (previously Chism's corner), and a Communications Consulting business. Subsequently, he had the courage and foresight to invest in DirectTV satellite television at its infancy.

He is a former member of the Elks Lodge in Auburn Indiana and Meshingomesia Country Club in Marion Indiana.

Sam loved spending time with his family, everything about golf, boating, and swimming. He was a collector of vintage cars, motorcycles, boats and taxidermy. Sam was driven by his desire to care for his family and worked multiple jobs during various times of his life to ensure their comfort.

Sam and Sinatra agreed -  "The record shows I took the blows, And did it my way".

Surviving are his daughters, Jaye (Bob Humes) Trovillion of Lithia, Florida, Kelly Gilbert of Fremont, Indiana and Linda (Justin) Treadway of Pendleton, Indiana; 7 beloved grandchildren, Sarah (Andy) Lewis of Angola, Indiana, Aaron (Jessica) Mauk of Fishers, Indiana, Madeline (Brad) Newton of Fishers, Indiana, Samantha Samuels of Converse, Indiana, Alec (Jordan) Samuels of Indianapolis, Indiana, Adam Trovillion of Lithia, Florida and Allison (Justin) Tew of Lithia Florida and his 11 precious great-grandchildren.

Sam was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Carol Sue (Rike) Samuels in 2011; son Sammy M. Samuels II in 2008, his sons-in-law, Allan Trovillion in 2008 and Larry Gilbert in 2020 and sister, Betty Jo Wright.

Following Sammy’s wishes there will be only private family services.

Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

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