Samuel Popenfoose

Samuel “Sam” Popenfoose, age 89, of Warsaw, Indiana, passed away peacefully on October 11, 2025, at Miller’s Merry Manor in Warsaw. Born on August 20, 1936, to Dallas and Gladys Popenfoose, Sam lived a life marked by love, hard work, and unwavering devotion to his family, faith, and passions.

Shortly after graduating from North Webster High School in 1954, where he was a standout athlete, Sam married the love of his life, Ann Marie Foreman, on June 1, 1956, at Leesburg Brethren Church. Their union was the foundation of a life filled with shared traditions, laughter, and enduring commitment.

Sam spent most of his career working on the family farm - a place of deep personal meaning. He also held positions at Syracuse Rubber, Craft Tech, Hand Industries, and Zimmer. For many years, he drove a school bus for Wawasee Community Schools, where his trademark big smile became a familiar comfort to countless students.

A gifted athlete, Sam was named Most Valuable Athlete in track his senior year and was a key member of the storied 1953 North Webster basketball team, famously known for dyeing their hands red during a thrilling 27-win season. His contributions to the sport were honored with induction into the Kosciusko County Basketball Hall of Fame. Sam’s love for athletics continued throughout his life: he was a loyal supporter at his children’s, grandchildren’s, and great-grandchildren’s sporting events well into his 80s.

An avid outdoorsman, Sam found joy in fishing, hunting, trapping, target shooting, and spending time in nature. He also cherished family traditions like outdoor cookouts, Christmas bingo parties, and camping trips to Indiana Beach. His friends knew him as a formidable euchre and canasta player, and his spry sense of humor and unmistakable laugh brought joy to every gathering.

Faith was central to Sam’s life. He was a charter member of Calvary Baptist Church of Oswego, where he served faithfully as an usher, Sunday School teacher and superintendent, and deacon. He held a confident belief in his salvation through Jesus Christ and shared the gospel with family, friends, coworkers, and new acquaintances.

Sam is survived by his devoted wife of 69 years, Ann Marie Popenfoose; his children, Cindy Fifer and Toby (Julie) Popenfoose; grandchildren, Michelle (Rich) Pierson, Brent (Cindy) Fifer, Andrew (Caroline) Popenfoose, and Timothy (Kylie) Popenfoose; and nine great-grandchildren, all of whom he adored. He was preceded in death by their beloved baby daughter, Bettina Popenfoose, his siblings Juanita Blue and Paul Popenfoose, and his parents.

Sam’s warmth, kindness, and joyful spirit touched everyone who knew him. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

A Life Celebration visitation will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Titus Funeral Home & Cremation Services of North Webster, 8056 East 500 North, North Webster, IN 46555. A funeral service will follow at 1:00 PM with Reverend Clif Burritt officiating, followed by a graveside service and burial at Oswego Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Baptist Church, 3065 E Armstrong Rd, Leesburg, IN 46538.