Samuel Oscar Knudson died peacefully in his sleep on March 8, 2012 at the age of 91, within a few hours of his sister, Berta Knudson Cochran, also of Springfield and age 95. Born in Springfield, Illinois on June 8, 1920, Sam lived a long, full and wonderful life. His life was a precious gift and legacy to all who knew him. Well known for his wonderful sense of humor and love of his fellow man, Sam was a unique individual who added meaning to everyone whose life he touched.
Sam was very active in the Springfield and Jacksonville deaf community, especially his “Deaf Club” meeting and friendships. His ability to read lips and speak, which was learned at the St. Louis School for the Deaf, allowed him to be equally at ease in the hearing world.
Sam loved the Abraham Lincoln Memorial Gardens all of his life and spent many wonderful times there with his mother, Mrs. T. J Knudson, the founder, as the two worked hand-in-hand to plant trees, flowers and give their tender loving care to a shared vision of a living memorial to Abraham Lincoln. Later in life, Sam would go to the Lincoln Garden with his nephews and nieces and eventually, with their children
Sam loved being the “Number One Fan” at Pleasant Plains High School athletic events. His love of sports and enthusiasm for the teams, coaches and players at Pleasant Plains High School was well known and he touched the lives of so many of the members of the community of Pleasant Plains. Among the many highlights of his wonderful life was his service as the Grand Marshall in Pleasant Plains High School Homecoming and designation as #1 Fan. The love and affection between Sam and Pleasant Plains High School was evident to all who observed Sam and the other fans and spectators at games. In 2003, Sam was recognized as the Number 1 fan in “Living on the Edge,” the Pleasant Plains High School Yearbook.
In 2005, Sam’s family created the Samuel O. Knudson Standard of Excellence Scholarship for graduating seniors at Pleasant Plain in appreciation of the mutual love and affection that Sam and the community of Pleasant Plains, Pleasant Plains High School, its staff and students shared for each other.
Sam was a life long member of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Springfield, Illinois.
Preceding Sam in death were his parents, Dr. T. J. Knudson and Mrs. Harriett Q. Knudson of Springfield, Il; his sister, Harriet Flynn of California and his second sister, Berta Knudson Cochran (the late Thomas L. Cochran), Springfield, IL who died within hours of his death. Sam is survived by his four nieces Joanne Johnson, Barbara Casstrillo; Lynne Regan (Owen) of Philadelphia, PA; Janis Martin (the late Randy Martin) of Bristol, IN; and three nephews, Scott Flynn, Kent Cochran (Karen) of Nashville, TN; and Mark Cochran of Springfield, IL. Nine (9) great nephews: Matthew Martin of Chicago, IL; Thor Martin (Liz Lee) of Chicago, Il; Ryan Cochran (Amy) of Brentwood, TN; Jeffrey Cochran of Nashville, TN; Scott Cochran (Ryan Leigh) of Nashville, TN; Chris Cochran (Virginia) of Nashville, TN; Mark S Cochran (Christy) of Carbondale, IL; Peter Cochran (Meg) of Washington, DC; and Andrew Cochran of Springfield, Il; and one (1) great niece, Mary Cochran Karcher (Brian) of St. Louis, MO. They will greatly miss "Uncle Sam." He will be remembered with love for the manner in which he enriched our lives and the lives of others.
Flowers gratefully declined in lieu of donations to the Abraham Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 East Lake Drive, Springfield, IL 62712 (217-529-1111).
A Celebration of Sam’s Life will be held 10:00 a.m., Saturday, March 24, 2012 at Westminster Presbyterian Church. A reception will follow at the church. Boardman-Smith Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements (www.boardman-smith.net).
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