Known affectionately as Samuelkutty, he is survived by his wife, Leelamma, his eldest daughter Liza and husband, Dr. John Isaac, and their three children: Timothy, Hannah, and Zachary; second daughter, Elsa, and husband Sunny Samuel and daughter Anna; and his son, Peter and wife, Dr. Essie Samuel, with their daughters Zemirah and Azariah. He is also survived by only one of his siblings, older sister Aleyamma Samuel.
We, his children, knew him as Pappa.
Early Life:
Samuelkutty was born in Ranni Uthimood, Pathanamthitta District of Kerala State, India to Mariyam and Koshy Varghese. He was the youngest of six children, five boys and one girl. Their family was the fifth branch of the Maramon Kavumkotteth family. In 1944, the family relocated to Athirumkal. During this time, the family was part of the Marthoma Church. The family came to the Pentecostal faith in 1953 and donated their land to construct a building for the local Church of God assembly. It was during this time, during Samuelkutty’s early teenage years, through the conviction of the Holy Spirit, he committed his life to Christ Jesus and was baptized.
Education and Marriage:
Samuelkutty‘s childhood was spent in Athirumkal. He completed high school in 1959 at Govt. H.S. Kalanjoor. Afterwards, he went to Madurai Polytech Engineering School for telegraphic course (1960 - 1961). Following that, he was employed with Bombay Ordinance Depot (1962-67).
In 1967, Indian Airlines welcomed him aboard to work in their communications department until he resigned in 1973 to emigrate to the United States. It was during this period, on June 17, 1967 Samuelkutty married Leelamma Samuel. The first time they laid eyes on each other was at the alter on their wedding day. They were married for fifty-two years.
In 1979, he received his Associates Degree in Computer Programming from Wayne County Community College in Detroit, Michigan. This opened many doors of employment throughout his lifetime. Yet, he always wanted to complete a Bachelor’s degree. In 1997, he graduated Magna Cum Laude from William Tyndale College with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree.
Personal Life:
Pappa lived under the conviction of the preeminence of Christ Jesus, God Himself. Pappa believed, without ever wavering, that all people, places, events and circumstances are always under the sovereign rule of God. Whether it be personal joys or sorrows, gains or losses Pappa had a peaceful heart. He never complained or judged and believed “everything will be alright”.
Pappa loved his children, but we believe his grandchildren brought extra joy into his life. He loved and spoke often of his childhood and his siblings and his mother. He loved having his relatives come and visit him. He enjoyed reminiscing about the old days with friends and relatives. Bible reading and meditation, prayer, worship at home and in the assembly, were priority in his life. He was very proud of the fact that he came from a family and heritage of ministers of the church. He himself, always mentioned that he was not worthy of being a pastor, but he was appointed to support and pray for pastors and pastoral ministry. Never wavering from seeking Christ and His kingdom first, Samuelkutty remained a faithful servant of the Lord Jesus Christ. Psalm 1; Psalm 5:12
