Wayne E. Samson

Frankenmuth, MI

Following a lifetime of loving, following, and serving the Lord, Wayne went Home to spend eternity with Him on January 18, 2022.

Wayne was born in Sandusky, Michigan on May 13, 1938, to parents, Ken and Hilda Samson. After attending several Michigan schools, he graduated from Imlay City High School in 1956. Although active in various sports, his favorite was baseball where he excelled as a catcher and was invited to try out for the Detroit Tigers after graduation. Wayne turned down that opportunity in order to attend Taylor University and study for the ministry. Before leaving for college, he met his future wife, June, at the Sandusky Methodist Church where they married two years later.

During both his freshman and sophomore years at Taylor, Wayne served as president of his class, played on a college baseball team, and toured in a Christian college quartet. After transferring to MSU where June was already enrolled, Wayne earned his Bachelor of Science degree in 1961 and got his first job as a coach/science teacher in Sandusky High School. A born salesman, Wayne went on to make sales his life-time career—insurance, encyclopedias, Michigan Bell Yellow Pages and finally Ameritech National Yellow Pages where he handled the entire Ford Motor account for the U.S. Following his retirement from Ameritech in 1991, Wayne continued his sales career by selling cars and trucks at Zehnder's Chevrolet Buick in Frankenmuth.

In the fall of 1993, Wayne finally had his opportunity to play baseball with the Detroit Tigers—a dream trip to Fantasy Camp in Lakeland, Florida where he played with members of the 1968 World Series Championship team. Another dream fulfilled came with his decision to pursue his earlier career choice of Christian ministry by enrolling in seminary and, upon completion, being assigned two churches near Columbiaville—Elba and Oregon United Methodist Churches. In 1998 he was reassigned to the Watrousville UMC in Reese, Michigan where he served until 2005. Throughout his life, Wayne was also an active member of several other churches---Ames Methodist in Saginaw, Frankenmuth UMC and most recently, Hopevale Church in Saginaw.

Early in the 90's, Wayne conceived the idea of combining the southern-most portion of his property on Roedel Road with land owned by several property owners to the east on Churchgrove. Together they joined forces with John Koester and the result is the area of Frankenmuth known today as the Maple Crest subdivision.

Wayne loved sports, cars, motorcycles, golfing, playing Euchre, and spending time with family and his many friends, especially his McDonald's morning buddies. He was known throughout his life for his outgoing, talkative nature and the way he loved to tell others about the Jesus he loved. As part of that mission, Wayne was active in the Gideons Ministry for many years. He was also a member of the Frankenmuth Lions Club where he was affectionately known as "Sammy".

Wayne was predeceased by his daughter, Lisa Samson-Moore (Frankenmuth); and grandchildren Natalie and Evan Samson (Frankenmuth).

He is survived by June, his wife of 63 years, and three of their four children: Andrea (Dave) vonBehren of Commerce Township; Randy (Martha) Samson of Frankenmuth; and Tina Samson, Frankenmuth.

His ten surviving grandchildren include: Jamie (Brett) Swindle, Atlanta, GA; Brittany (Reid) Straith, Waterford, MI; Briana vonBehren, Waterford, MI; Olivia (Keaton) Dungey, Frankenmuth; Bridget (Brian) Mullally, Boise ID; Abi and Margo Samson, Frankenmuth; Austin Moore, Nashville, TN; Parker (Jamie) Moore, Nashville, TN; Josh Moore, Frankenmuth. Great-grandchildren are Brayden and Jacob Swindle, Landon and Walker Straith, and Maeve and Maren Dungey. Wayne is also survived by brother, Wendell (Vicki) Samson, Foster City, CA and sister, Cathy (Terry) Price, Brighton, MI as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A private family ceremony will be held at Cederberg Funeral Home of Frankenmuth on January 23, 2022, with burial to follow in the Frankenmuth Township Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to express their condolences are asked to consider Youth Haven Ranch, an organization whose mission is to provide life-changing, Christ-centered experiences for disadvantaged children in Michigan and Arizona.

Arrangements entrusted to Cederberg Funeral Home of Frankenmuth. Please sign our guestbook or share an online condolence with the family at www.cederbergfh.com