VALLONIA

Marion Francis “Sam” Grider, 71, of Vallonia, died at 8 a.m. Tuesday, April 21, 2015, at his residence.

Born May 18, 1943, in Vallonia, he was the son of the late Carl and Elizabeth Taskey Grider. On Nov. 30, 1962, in Vallonia, he married Rosie Wheeler, who survives in Vallonia.

Sam retired from Cummins after 34 years and was a member of Vallonia Christian Church.

He was a 1961 graduate of Vallonia High School. Over the years, Sam had served as a Sunday school teacher and deacon at Vallonia Christian Church, coach for Brownstown High School track and cross-country teams and as a member of the Brownstown Community School Board, Vallonia Lion’s Club, Red Cross and Ft. Vallonia committee. He was a marathon runner and enjoyed watching his birds.

Other survivors include his children, Jay Grider of Vallonia and Jill (Tony) Stuckwisch of Seymour; a sister-in-law whom he raised, Dana Sterling; grandchildren, Nick Grider, Chase Grider, Austin Grider, Alyssa Stuckwisch, Mallory Stuckwisch, Ellen Stuckwisch, Dustin Morgeson and Lindsay Morgeson; three brothers, Lloyd Grider, Donnie Grider and Terry Grider; and two sisters, Anita Sturgeon and Sharon Nuss.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Vallonia Christian Church, with Chris Criminger officiating. Burial will follow at Vallonia Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday and one hour prior to the service Friday at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Vallonia Christian Church Building Fund or Schneck Medical Center Hospice.

Arrangements are being handled by Johnson Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be expressed at Johnsonfh.net.