Samuel "Sam" Shank

Samuel “Sam” Shank, 93, of Avilla, Indiana, passed away on Friday, January 30, 2026, in his home, surrounded by his family. Sam was born on August 19, 1932, to Cecil and Irene (Moran) Shank, in Huntertown, Indiana. On May 1, 1952, in Avilla, Sam married Beverly Uhl. She preceded him in death.

Sam was a lifelong carpenter and plumber. He enjoyed gardening and taking care of his apple trees. Sam was a member of the Lions Club.

Surviving Sam are his children Mike (Tamara) Shank, of Avilla, Pat (Donna) Shank, of Avilla, and Darcy (Marty) Taylor, of Sandpoint, Idaho; brother John (Kay) Shank, of St. Joe, Indiana; sisters Fay Ann Ries, of LaOtto, Indiana and Julia (Ed) Snyder, of Hicksville, Ohio; 19 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren.

Preceding Sam in death is his wife Beverly Shank; parents Cecil and Irene Shank; brothers Cecil Shank, Kenneth Shank, Tommy Shank, William Shank; sisters Myrtle Secrist, Wilma Hess, Marcille Woodbury, Ara Jean Knapp, Jerron Edsall, and Bernice Shank; brother- in-law Eugene Ries; one grandson and one great-grandson.

Funeral service will be at 11:30am, Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, at Mt. Pleasant Lutheran Church, 2520 N 600 E, Kendallville.  Pastor John Roberts will officiate.  Visitation will be held from 9:30am until the time of service on Monday.  Burial will be at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, rural Kendallville.

Contributions in Sam's memory may be directed to Mt. Pleasant Lutheran Church, of a charity of the donor's choice.  To leave a condolence or sign the online guestbook, visit www.harperfuneralhomes.com

Arrangements by Harper Funeral Homes, Avilla Chapel, 530 N Main St., Avilla.

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