Samuel David Deeds, 83, passed away suddenly, but peacefully, early on Saturday, July 7, 2018, in Carmel, Indiana. He was born on December 17, 1934, in Huntington, Indiana, and was the youngest son out of ten children born to Ella Rosetta (Pardue) and Glenn Everett Deeds. In 1937, he went to the Knightstown Children’s Home in Knightstown, Indiana, and graduated from Morton High School in 1952.
Sam was married to Velma June (Susan) Emerich on August 2, 1959 in Huntington, Indiana. Susan and Sam had two daughters, Deborah Jo and Pamela June, and the four of them spent many happy years living in Marion, Indiana, and then in the country near Sweetser, Indiana. Sam worked at the General Motors Fisher Body plant in Marion. He was one of the first employees hired at the plant in 1956 and retired in 1986 after 30 years of service. Susan passed away on June 22, 1977, and, on October 24, 1978, Sam married Karen Sue Kidd at the Washington D.C. Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They continued to live near Sweetser, enjoying time with their girls and grandkids. In 1998, they relocated to Montrose, Colorado. While there, they formed countless cherished friendships with their church family and many others. Sam’s faith was a cornerstone of his life. He served his church in many capacities during his 47 years as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Indiana as well as in Colorado. He also served in the temples in Chicago and Denver for many years. He always loved spending time with his family and friends.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Karen, and his daughters, Debbie Bronson and Pam (Steve) Tucker, both of Kokomo. He will also be lovingly missed by his grandchildren, Adam France of Columbus, Ohio, Samuel (Adrian) France of Fort Campbell, Kentucky, Jessica Figueroa of Kokomo, Kimberly (Bryan) Brown of Taylorville, Illinois, Brian Tartal of Kokomo, and Jacob Tucker of Kokomo; six great-grandchildren, Bryan, Emily, Nathan, Allyson, Isabella, and Anakynn; two dear sisters, Dorothy Keplinger and Marjorie Brannon, both of Huntington; and many nieces and nephews, who will miss their uncle as well.
Sam was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, James Deeds, Robert Deeds, Helen Diesing, Betty Ann Gregory, Paul Deeds, Miriam Bello, and Ruth Keplinger.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 11, 2018, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Marion, Indiana. Friends and family will receive visitors from 10 to 11 a.m. at the church until the start of the service. Burial will follow at Gardens of Memory in Marion.
Arrangements are entrusted to Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.
Memorial contributions may be made in Sam’s memory to the charity of the donor’s choice.
Online condolences may be made at www.nswcares.com.