Samuel Panachamootil Chacko

Our Pappa Samuel Chacko was born on April 19, 1929 in Chengannur, Kerala, India. He was the fifth of seven children born to Koshy and Aleyamma Chacko. He was the firstborn son after four daughters. He was known as kunjoonjootty (meaning “little one”). He was brought up in a home that honored God and came to know the Lord at a very young age. As a child he enjoyed helping his father in gardening. During his early years he walked four miles to attend service at Kallissery IPC. Pappa always mentioned that he learnt the joy of being a Christian even in the midst of hardship.

Pappa completed high school in Chengannur, Kerala. He then moved to Lucknow U.P to pursue his Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Economics. In 1955 he graduated from the University of Lucknow and completed his license in teaching (LT). He worked for 20 years as a lecturer at Christian College, Farrukhabad, U.P. While he was working in the Christian College he earned degrees in homeopathic medicine, and counseling which he used as practical tools to serve the people.

On May 29, 1959 he married Aleyamma Chacko, daughter of Pastor V. J. Varghese and Sosamma Varghese, Mottackal, Kumbanadu. They were blessed with three children.

In 1975 he went to Saudi Arabia and worked as head of the Accounting department in the Daelim Industrial company. The Lord used him to pioneer underground churches in many locations in Saudi Arabia. Through him many came to know the Lord, and were baptized in water. In 1990, he migrated to the United States with his family and worked in different school districts as a substitute teacher. In the early 1990’s he attended Cornerstone Community Church. Meanwhile, he was instrumental in starting a Malayalam fellowship in Seattle. At the same time, he was involved in the management of Peniel boys and girls’ homes, Peniel academy and teaching in Peniel Bible Seminary, Keezhilam, Kerala. On his yearly trips to India he travelled to Nepal and several states in Northern India. His main passion was evangelism and missions.

For his church and family around the globe, he was truly a man of prayer and impacted thousands of people in their Christian walk.

He is survived by his beloved wife, 3 children, 5 grandchildren and two great granddaughters. Daughter Vineetha Varghese {husband Dr. C.P. Varghese, children Samuel and wife Rebekah, Shebuel (wife Esther, children Arielle and Chloe)}, Son Vijai Chacko (wife Shirley, son Joshua) and youngest Son Vinod Chacko (wife Glory, children Jonathan and Abigail). He is also survived by his siblings, younger brother John P. Chacko, and two older sisters Annamma George and Sosamma Mathew.

Pappa has left a lasting impact and legacy for his family and friends. We look forward to seeing him again on that beautiful shore.