Kendall Lawrence Sams

Kendall Lawrence Sams, 40, of Perrysville, Indiana, US, passed unexpectedly at 12:01 p.m. on Saturday March 29, 2025 at IU Health Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana. He was visited by friends and family during a short hospital stay and was surrounded by family when he passed peacefully.

He was born in Danville, Illinois on October 7, 1984 to David L. Sams and the late Deborah L. (Dowers) Mahoney.

Kendall married the center of his world, Dina Lynn (Ping) Sams on June 10, 2006 at Cayuga Christian Church. The ceremony was officiated by Steve Viatniemi and was attended by over 150 friends and family. On December 15, 2010 his world expanded as the absolute light of his life Bryson Lawrence Sams was born.

Kendall was the most amazing friend and community supporter as was told over and over on his social media. Everyone loved Kendall.

"Nobody ever wants to lose a little brother, but he was way more than that. He was my best friend. We were a team. We could do anything together. He was the best person, brother, father, husband, uncle, anyone has ever known."

"One of the greats! Brought light and laughter with you everywhere you went. Never a single dull moment with you around and a blast to watch you work a room, court, or the track with your non-stop joking with everyone around you. You touched so many lives and never met a stranger. Always willing to help anyone at the drop of a hat. A true genuine person."

"Charmingly goofy, hard working, jokester with a heart of gold, best dad in the world, and amazing brother-in-law."

"Best hugger ever! Always had a smile on his face and a carefree attitude."

"We will remember Kendall not only for the person he was, but also for the impact he made in the lives of those around him."

"The love of Dina's life and the best Dad in the whole world!"

Kendall was an amazing athlete during his years at North Vermillion Jr. and Sr. High School. His love of sports translated into him being a huge supporter of the athletic program where he helped coach little league baseball and basketball and he and Dina (and later Bryson) attended just about every basketball, football, and baseball game. The year before his death he participated in the First Annual NV Nostalgia Tournament. He was slated to participate again March 29 and 30, 2025 with his team, the Dirty Birds. During the tournament, the weekend of his death, the entire community took part in a moment of silence, cracking open a Mountain Dew, his favorite drink, and having a chair court side with his shirt and a Mountain Dew representing him. His son, Bryson, ended up playing during the final minutes - scoring big for his Dad's team.

In addition to team sports, Kendall was also an avid golfer and enjoyed fishing, hunting, boating, camping, and helping his son with a variety of activities, including golf, basketball, football, baseball, motocross, and included him in his favorite activities like hunting and fishing, etc. He started working for Norfolk Southern Railroad August 4, 2008 and most recently he was a heavy equipment operator for the Maintenance of Way department.

He will be deeply missed by his wife and son; his Bandit Dog and Gracie Dog; his Dad and Step-Mom, Rose Sams; his siblings - Troy L. (April) Sams, Jaclyn [Jacy] L. (Camron) Mills, Marlee A. Sams (Danielle Bolen); his aunts and uncles - Victoria and James Payne, Kimberly and Joe Cardwell, Karen and Jay Bumpus, Mike Sams (Penny), Donnie Sams (Mona), David and Julia Wilson, and Sue Ross; his nieces and nephews - Devon (Kristen) Sams, Courtney (Tyee) Sams, Brennan (Maggie) Black, Kaleb Dinius (Haven), Cierra (Gavin) Sams, Kadyn Dinius, Kegan Dinius, and Jonathon Hanley; his cousins Michele Kearbey, Michael Payne, Michelle Sams, Zane Bumpus, Mattie Bumpus, Kenny Joe Cardwell, and Heather Reeder; seven great nieces and nephews; his father-in-law Robert (Stephanie) Ping; brothers-in-law Robert (Tom) Ping-Slater and Michael Ping (Brad Winnie); his life-long best friend Travis Denhart; and a ton of close friends and chosen family.

He was preceded in death by his mother Debbie, his mother-in-law Lynda L. Ping, his maternal grandparents Kenny and Dorothy (Sherman) Myers, his paternal grandparents Sammy and Barbara Sams, and a cousin Sean Sams.

A Celebration of Life for Kendall will take place at 1pm EST on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at the Cayuga Christian Church 406 S. Logan Street Cayuga, Indiana. Robbie Ketcherside and Steve Vitaniemi will officiate. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park 3901 N Vermilion Street in Danville, Illinois. Visitation will be from 4pm-8pm EST on Friday, April 4, 2025, and again from 11am-1pm EST on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at the church.

Following services on Saturday the family and close friends will gather at the Cayuga American Legion 922 W Ferry Street 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. for a dinner/reception catered by Palucci’s Pizza of Cayuga. Family and friends are providing desserts.

Thank you to Kendall's amazing community for all the benefits, donations, and support during this extremely difficult time for his family. The family plans to dress casually for the viewing and service. Please wear what is comfortable for you. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the GoFundMe https://gofund.me/db2bc8b3 to help his family directly or to the Indiana Donor Network Foundation at https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=iopo&id=1 .

Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center’s DeVerter Chapel 215 N Division Street in Cayuga, Indiana is honored to be caring for the family.

Please join the family in sharing memories, photos and videos on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.