Thomas Edward "Poppy" Sample

Thomas Edward “Poppy” Sample, 66 was taken by God to his new home on Sunday, July 21, 2013. Tom had fought cancer with faith, hope, dignity and bravery. He and his family have been blessed with many miracles on his 16 month journey. He was an amazing husband, father, poppy and friend. He will be greatly missed, including his booming laugh, but only until we meet again. Tom had worked for William P. Creigh Sheet Metal, starting in 1966 and then became the Owner/President in 1986. The name was changed to WPC INC Sheet Metal and Roofing. Sheet metal work was his passion. He fabricated and installed the copper dome on the Allen County Court House, restoration of the statue, copper steeples and crosses on the top of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception here in Fort Wayne and worked on many other churches in the area. He married his high school sweetheart, Sue (Malcolm) on August 20, 1966. She survives. He is also survived by a daughter Connie (Rod) Rethlake and a son, Doug (Tina) Sample. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Taylor and Toby Druhot, Haley (Matt) Pence, Raegan Sample and Lauren and Andrew Rethlake as well as a great grandson, Aiden Pence; sister, Janet (Bill) Petgen; brothers, Bill (Clela) Sample and Mike (Roxanne) Sample. He was preceded in death by his mother, Joan (Harkenrider) Sample and brothers, Philip and Stephen Sample. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 26, 2013 at St. Michael Catholic Church, north of Waterloo, Ind., with visitation one hour before the Mass. Visitation will also be held from 2 to 7 p.m. Thursday, July 25, 2013 at Hockemeyer & Miller Funeral Home, 6131 St. Joe Road. The Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Preferred memorials may be directed to “Team Poppy “ at http://www.freetobreathe.org/current_events/fortwayne2013/donatefortwayne2013.html. Sue and the family would like to thank everyone at Parkview Cancer Center and Heartland Hospice for their excellent care, love and friendship.