Samuel J Troyer was born Jan 12, 1909, in Fairview to Joseph and Mattie (Weaver) Troyer. He went to live with Jesus on Sep 9, 2000, at the age of 91.
Beginning in 1949 he served seven and one half years as a missionary mechanic in Tanzania, East Africa, where he met and married his wife Esther Freed on Jun 5, 1951. She preceded him to heaven in 1961.
He is survived by his daughter Lois and son in law Drew Bontrager, and grandsons, Ryan and Justin, with whom he has been living in Mancelona since Nov 1997. They were all with him when he went to be with the Lord. He will be greatly missed as a special member of their household.
Also surviving are sisters Amanda and brother in law Oscar Oaks of Fairview, and Mrs. Fanny Miller of Fairview; brother in law, Fred Helmuth of Fairview; sister in law Marie Troyer of Comins; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by sisters Mary Troyer, Lydia Troyer, Sarah Bontrager and Minnie Helmuth, brothers Jerry, Joe, Ben, and Dave; sisters in law Violet, Edna and Fern; and brother in law Harry Miller.
Mr. Troyer served the Lord faithfully for many years and was a member of Mio Conservative Mennonite Church.
The Lord blessed Sam with an inventive mind, and if a job looked impossible he could usually find a way to make it work. He loved to make things with his hands and especially enjoyed making windmills, birdhouses, and furniture.
He like to five things away and often said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive."
He will be greatly missed, but it is with rejoicing that the family give him over to his maker and to the loved ones waiting in glory.
Funeral services were Sep 12 at the Fairview Mennonite Church; Marvin Troyer and Willard Bontrager officiated. Burial was at Fairview Cemetery.
Memorials may be made in Sam's memory to World Missionary Press Inc, P.O. Box 120, New Paris, IN 46553-0120.
Arrangements were made by Orr Funeral Home in Mio.
