Samuel Funk

Samuel W. Funk, 77, of Kokomo, IN, formerly of Cerro Gordo, IL, went to be with his Lord and Savior at 10:41 a.m. Wednesday, July 11, 2012, at Reflections Memory Care facility, Kokomo, IN. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, July 23, at Rock Springs Church of God, Decatur, IL with Pastor Tim Lusitana officiating. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Sunday, July 22, at Brintlinger & Earl Cerro Gordo Funeral Home. Burial will be in East Frantz Cemetery, Cerro Gordo, IL. Memorials may be made to Alzheimer's Association. Sam was born December 26, 1934, in Decatur, IL, son of Harry Samuel and Mae (Wagoner) Funk. He married Shirley J. Bunning on October 9, 1955. She preceded him in death on October 12, 2011. Sam was a member of Rock Springs Church of God in Decatur and Cornerstone Community Bible Church in Galveston, Ind. He was also a member of AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association). He was a retired farmer, pilot, and radio commentator. He began his farming career in 1957 and farmed for almost 50 years before retiring. He taught his sons and grandchildren the value of hard work and perseverance. Of all things Sam loved to do, farming the land was his first love. His love for airplanes started when he was a young boy. He began taking flying lessons in 1963 and eventually became a flight instructor himself, teaching many students to fly. Sam operated his own aerial photography business taking and selling hundreds of photos. Sam was always ready to try something new and felt strongly about his convictions. He was passionate about politics and loved a lively discussion. He was a weekly radio commentator on WILL AM 580 for eighteen years. In his retirement he enjoyed his family and grandchildren. He was a great husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He will be greatly missed. Sam is survived by his two sons: Samuel Mark (Jeanna) Funk of Decatur, IL and John David (Maria) Funk of Galveston, IN; five grandchildren: Christopher (Sarah) Funk of Decatur, IL, Robert (Rachel) Funk of Moweaqua, IL, Jessica (Nicholas) Carter of Richmond Hill, GA, Elizabeth (Jacob) Isenburg of LaPorte, IN, and Zachary Funk of South Bend, IN; and ten great-grandchildren. Sam was preceded in death by his parents and wife Shirley. Special thanks to Reflections Memory Care and Southern Care Hospice for their dedication and care during Sam's illness. Condolences may be left to the family at www.brintlingerandearl.com "
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