John Sample
July 14, 1954 ~ September 26, 2016
John Sample, age 62, of Madison, Ohio, passed away Monday, September 26, 2016. He was born July 14, 1954 in Meadville, PA to Grace Burnita (Acker) and John E. Sample
A 1972 graduate of Madison High School, John served our country in the US Navy. Living a life of public service, he worked tirelessly as the Administrator of Madison Village until his retirement in 2004. He married his high school sweetheart, Sarah, in 1975 and took great pride in their sons, Dustin and Matthew, never missing a football game or wrestling match. He was an avid supporter of the Blue Streaks, helping establish what is now known as the Dick Hamblin Field. He was a founder of the Madison Takedown Club and was actively involved with the Pride in Madison group. In his retirement, he owned and operated Sample's Transport, giving him the opportunity to travel across the country and meet new people. In his spare time, he enjoyed working in the yard, fishing, hunting, and running the Holiday Dreams Christmas tree farm. He could often be found giving his grandchildren rides on the tractor or snowmobile.
He is survived by his wife, Sarah; sons, Dustin (Jenny) Sample, Matthew (Lee) Sample; grandchildren, Kayla, Noah, Aidan, Emmet and Sawyer (due Dec. 2016); mother, Burnita Sample; sister, Jan (Jerry) Boseman, brother, Jim (Terri) Sample, twin sister, Joan (John) Lightner as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father John E. Sample.
The family asks for privacy during this difficult time and will be scheduling a service in the future. Friends are encouraged to sign the online guestbook and leave a fond memory you have of John at www.behmfuneral.com
In loving all things associated with Madison Village, John took great pride in the appearance of Main Street and the Village Park. In order to continue the beautification of Madison Village, contributions can be made in John's memory to the Madison Garden Club, P.O. Box 483, Madison, Ohio 44057.
The Behm Family Funeral Home of Madison is assisting the family at this time.
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Our deepest sympathy Sara to you and your sons and their families. May God be with you and your family. All our love and prayers Dan and Cathy Moore
We only met John once in Rochester and knew him mainly through our Kids who loved him so deeply. We were impressed with his great smile and outgoing nature. Words cannot come remotely close to expressing our sadness and love for the whole family. May God provide strength and comfort to you all. God' richest blessings.
Sending hugs and prayers from across the miles… I'm so very sorry for your loss. John's legacy will forever live on in his amazing sons and in his beautiful grandchildren. R.I.P.
To Matt, Lee, and the entire Sample Family:
I'm so sorry for your loss. You're all on my mind and in my prayers. R.I.P. John
To the Sample Family,
I am extremely sorry for the loss of your father, grandfather, and husband. John's daughter in law, Lee, is a dear friend of mine, and I remember meeting John at their wedding on 11.11.11. He was very welcoming to me and I remember that his presence commanded the room. I know that he will be greatly missed by all that knew him. May God bless you all during this difficult time.
John was a great man with a wonderful family. He will be missed by those who loved him and knew him! My deepest condolences to the Sample family. We are sorry for you loss.
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember John from school and from church at the First Baptist Church. He was a great guy, I will miss him and his jokes and his laughs. I just talked to John a couple of weeks ago at the Madison High football game. I will miss John as I am sure you will. My thoughts and prayers are with you Sarah, Dustin, Matthew and the rest of the family. If you need anything or just need to talk to someone, I am here.
Donna and I are shocked and sadden by this news, our deepest condolences Sarah, Dustin and Matt.
I am so sorry! John was a great friend to so many people. He was someone you could always count on. He was always proud of his family. I miss my friend.
My heartfelt condolences to Sarah, Dustin, Matt & the entire family. I was so saddened by the news. John was a wonderful man & always had a big smile on his face. I spent a few summers in college working on the cemetery crew & even filled in as a temp in the Village office for a short time, so I had the pleasure of working with John many years ago & saw first hand his love of the community. My thoughts & prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. Again, I'm deeply sorry for your loss.
So very sorry for your loss. John was a good man. He raised 2 wonderful sons and was a good father in law to my daughter. RIP John
I am so saddened to hear of this loss of a wonderful man. I have so many memories over the years.
I remember our family visiting the Samples when they lived on 84. I remember John organizing the big band surprise for Mr. Acerra. He got all of us together at Homer Nash and we marched to Memorial and playing the fight song before a football game. It was so exciting and fun.
I remember working with John with the Take Down club and all the trips and matches our families went to. Such good times. Some of the best of our lives.
Rest in Peace John. You will be missed.
My fondest memory of John ( and family) was when our families went to Chicago together. We were running out of Wrigley Stadium trying not to get blown over the railing as a big thunderstorm was rolling in. Lots of laughing and craziness that day.
I also loved coming to the Sample house to help pick corn.
My deepest condolences to Sarah, Dustin, Matthew and family. John will never be forgotten!!
Oh Sarah, we are so very sad to hear this. Words cannot change your loss, but know that you and your family are in our prayers.
Matt, Lee and the Sample Family, We are praying and thinking about all of you. We hope your wonderful memories help you heal during this difficult time.
Oh Sarah and family this is hard for me to read and say of my classmate. Our hearts and prayers are with you all and we offer peace in the days ahead. God give you rest and peace John. I will miss my friend.
So sorry for your loss
Our deepest sympathies to your family at this time and in the days and weeks to come. We did not know John personally but only through my sister and brother in law who adored him greatly. May you find strength hope and peace that only comes from the Lord. Prayers, love, and hugs to you all.
Thinking of you, Matt and Lee and your whole family. So sad to hear of your loss.
Sarah, Judy and I are heartbroken over you and your family's loss. John was a great husband and family man. If we can do anything for you please let us know. Prayers for all of you at this most difficult time, love you
Deepest condolences to the entire Sample family. I have so many fond memories of John growing up in Madison, many of them when he worked along side my Dad when he was Mayor. My prayers and thoughts are with you all!
We are thinking of you, Matt and Lee, and your entire family. We hope your Dad's memory is a blessing to you and your family. We are here to listen or help at any time.
My heart and prayers go out to your entire family!!! I love you all so much…. 🙁
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Sample family at this very sad and difficult time. May memories of special times help you through the days ahead. John always had a smile and a joke to tell and he cared a lot for his home town of Madison and the people in it. He will be missed by many he touched. With deepest sympathy…..
Sarah and the entire Sample family. I am so sorry for your loss. I happened to be in town when I heard the news. All of us that know John know that he is with our Lord from this point forward. Through the many years of absence, whenever I did meet up with John, he made me feel like our friendship had never missed a beat. I will miss his infectious smile and personality. Blessings, George Weisbarth
I'm so sorry for your loss. John was a pillar in the community. Praying for the entire family.
Our deepest condolences. Carmen & l were able to meet up with him at the alumni banquet in June of last year. He will be missed.
Dear Sample Family, I would like to send my deepest sympathy to your entire Family. May God shelter you with strength and comfort you at this sad difficult time. your family is in my thoughts and prayers
It’s draft day. At a table in the Northeast corner of the top floor at Stratton Place in Madison sits two gentlemen (John and Ned) and often times the Sample boys. If my memory serves me correctly, this table called themselves the Folsom Prisoners (I believe that’s right). First place didn’t matter at that time. Second place didn’t matter at that time. All that seemed to matter is they had any and every Chicago Cubs player on their roster (or so it seemed). Andre Dawson, yes. Ryno, yes. Grace, yes. Dunston, sure. Maddux, absolutely. Sutcliffe, why not. Girardi, yes with the last pick. The man, and family loved their Cubs. I miss those simple times. The Diamond Dreams’ drafts, trips to Wrigley, family parties, helping with Christmas trees, or just hearing “Hey Jake.” Truly saddens me for all that knew John, but most of all his family of course. Sarah, Grandma Sample, Dustin+Jenny, Matt+Lee, and all the grandkids…my deepest sympathy, thoughts, and prayers!
Lee, Matt and the entire Sample Family, I am so sorry for your loss; you are in my thoughts and prayers. My heart goes out to you, and all who knew John, during this difficult time.
So sorry for your loss. John was a good man. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Sample family
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God Bless.
It is with a very sad heart we send our condolences to the Sample Family. Our prayers are lifted for all and may you also be comforted by the memories you so cherish. He will always be in your hearts and his love will be felt forever.
Our sincere sympathy to the entire Sample family. We enjoyed working with John over the years. He truly did care very much about Madison Village and always worked so hard. We never saw him without a big smile and a joke. He will be missed by so many people that he came in contact with over the years. Please know that you are all in our hearts at this time. Prayers go out to all of you.
Matt & Lee, you and your entire family are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Please know we are praying for you.
Our Sympathy, The Campbell Family
Matt and Lee, Know that our Lord will hold you and comfort you in your time of grief. I am so very sorry for your loss and my prayers will be for healing and comfort for your entire family and all who knew John. Comfort each other.
So very sorry for your loss. Thinking of you all and wishing you peace and comfort. Will always remember Mr. Sample right up along the fence at all of his kids football games then again for his grandchildren. He will be missed by so many.
My heart goes out to your family. I pray that you all stay strong for each other and support each other during this difficult time. May God bless you all with peace, strength, friendship and love.
So very sorry for the loss of John. Thought and prayers for all.
To Sarah and all the family. I am so shocked to have just learned of John's passing. I am so sorry for all of you and am praying for your comfort, understanding and peace. I have so many fond memories of John, one being his smile and that he was always so jolly. I've know John since he moved to Madison when we were young and lived just down the street. We were at his house often and we attended the same church then. We always wished each other happy birthday ( as Vickie and mine was 3 days before his and Joans). The last time I was John, just recently, we spent quite a bit of time talking about the “old days”. I am thankful for that. He was outside in the yard last week as I drove by and I almost stopped to chat; I wish I had. I enjoyed John and admired the love and bond between you. I am so so sorry for your loss. We have lost a big part of Madison that will not be replaced. My prayers are with you all.
Dear Sample family, we are very saddened to hear of your loss. Your entire family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Thoughts and prayer to the Sample family.
Sample family, I am so very sorry for your loss. The Zielinski family sends love during this difficult time.
To John's family and friends, I'm so sorry and sad to hear of your loss. John was often a help to me the years I worked reporting community news. He made Madison Village a beautiful place to live, work and visit. My deepest condolences to you all.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Samples, may you rest in peace John.
Sarah, both Janet and I are sorry for your loss. Our Prayers are with you and your family. If you need anything, Please let us know. RIP John
Our hearts are broken. We will miss John our next door neighbor of 27 years. Samples are the best of neighbors. John was a proud father and grandfather… Praising the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. A good listener and friend. Our neighborhood will not be the same without him. God bless you Sarah Matt and Dustin. With love and much sympathy. Dan Shelly Amanda Evan and Ethan Larned And our pup Rose…She loved seeing John in the yard.
My condolences to all the Sample family. I will miss John and his famous smile, his enthusiasm and caring heart. His knowledge and direction he gave me when I served on the MV planning commission was invaluable to me. It sparked other interest in politics in general. We did not always agree but we respected each other's opinions and continued working together, as a team. I also got to know his son Dustin through the fire department. Very good people. John, you will be missed but do know I respected you and all u did for our village. Thank you and God bless my friend. Rest in Gods peace.
To the sample gamily, especially jim our deepest sympathy .
Sarah, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Our thoughts and prayers will be with the family during this difficult time.
Matt and Lee, we are so grateful to have you in our lives. It has been so meaningful to meet your family and hear many stories about them. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. If there is anything you need, please let us know.
To the Sample family I have so many fond memeories of John from the time we were little at church through high school. I talked with him years ago and he wanted me to come to a class reunion an I had a conflicting agenda. This past summer unfortunately my health wasn't well. My deepest sympathy goes to all of you. He was a loving and great friend to all and will truly be missed. God be with you all.
Sample family you are in our prayers.
Our love and prayers are with you.
Sarah, I am so sorry to hear of your loss…you and your entire family are in my prayers.
Dear Sarah, I am so very sorry to hear of John's passing. Please accept my deepest sympathy to you and your family and know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Sarah, Jan, Joan, Jim, Mrs. Sample, I am so sad to hear of John's passing. He and I spent lots of time together while growing up; I have many very special memories of him and of your family. I wish you the very best and a extra dose of comfort at this time.
Dear Sarah, so sorry for your loss. As you read on, everyone repeats the same awesome message with his smile and his laughter . In today's world we cherish people like John who made a huge impression to everyone's heart. That my friend is the true meaning of life to touch so many peoples life and remember nothing but that smile. God Bless
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I grew up with John and Joan but lost touch in our adult years. John was always such a joker in high school and ready for a laugh in band at any time. He definitely kept Mr. A on his toes. I lost a brother this year also and know the pain you must feel. My prayers and love are with you all.
Sarah we are so very sorry for your loss. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.We are here for anything we can help with if needed. God bless you all
Sorry john I was just calling your number to get you to pick up a car god speed brother !
To John and Family, Very sorry for the passing… we liked him from the moment we met him when we hired him to move a treadmill. A great man and with a great personality. Life is too short but John lived well and helped many. Blessings from Dave, Sue and the Billings Family