Samuel Howard Wilkinson

Mr. Samuel Howard Wilkinson, of Indianapolis, passed away on the morning of Thursday, December 26, 2019 at the Waters of Indianapolis. He was 86. Sam was born February 12, 1933 in Warrick County, Indiana one of three sons born to James H. and Cletus L. (Blackford) Wilkinson.

Sam was a 1951 graduate of Reitz High School in Evansville and earned his Bachelor’s degree in 1958 and then his Master’s in Music in 1963 both from Indiana State University.

Sam proudly served his country in the United States Army as a combat engineer. He also was band director at Luce Township High School in Spencer County, Indiana for several years and then became District Executive and Program Director with the Boy Scouts of America and retired from that position in 1991 after 21 years of service. Sam was a long-time member of the Southport United Methodist Church.

Sam enjoyed spending his leisure time playing golf, painting, camping and being outdoors. He also had a deep love for music and was an accomplished violinist. Whether teaching in a classroom or during his years with the Scouts, Sam had a passion for mentoring and training young people. Sam was awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash in 1984 as well as the Distinguished Hoosier Award by Governor Robert D. Orr.

Sam is survived by his loving wife, Elizabeth Mae (Winsett) Wilkinson; his children, Jerry (Yong) Wilkinson, Terry (Jennifer) Wilkinson and Andrea (Bryan) Hughes; his grandchildren, James, Melissa, Joel, Laura and David as well as his great-grandchildren, Hunter and Ava.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in passing by his brothers, Paul Wilkinson and Bob Wilkinson.

Funeral services for Sam will be conducted at 1:30 pm, Monday, December 30, 2019 at Southport United Methodist Church, 1947 E. Southport Rd., Indianapolis.

The family will receive friends from 11:30 am until the hour of service at the Church. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens in Greenwood.

For those choosing to make a memorial contribution, the family had suggested those be offered to Southport United Methodist Church.

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