Gary R Samples

Gary Ross Samples of Perrysburg, passed away at the age of 82 on January 10, 2021 at Browning Masonic Community in Waterville, Ohio. He was predeceased by his parents, Robert Ross Samples and Mary Catherine (Gordon) Samples. He is survived by his wife of fifty-four years, Jeannette (Jan) Caress Samples; daughters, Elizabeth Samples Ury and Julie Rebekah Samples; granddaughter, Hannah Christine Ury; and his sister, Linda (Samples) Warner. Gary was born April 11,1938 and raised in Elyria, Ohio. After high school, he served in the U.S. Army and then received undergraduate and graduate degrees from Bowling Green State University. Soon after their marriage, he and Jan moved to Perrysburg. He taught in the Toledo Public Schools for thirty years and served on Perrysburg's City Council for twenty-four years. He was a trustee for TMACOG. An avid environmentalist, he championed recycling, land stewardship and conservation, and alternate energy sources and was proud of his solar panels. He was active in his church for over fifty years serving on many committees and as an usher. He was honored to receive the Community Service Award from the League of Women Voters in 2010. He and Jan traveled to all fifty states and over fifty countries, often using their own pedal power to explore other countries and cultures. A favorite trip was taking the family to the Galapagos Islands as he had often talked with his granddaughter about their ecological importance. Gary's hobbies included gardening and bicycling, and he completed many long TOSRV and GOBA bike rides. Genealogy was always on his mind and he was the Gordon and Samples family historian. For Gary, his family was his priority. From lessons on how to change a bike tube, to how to change a tire and the oil in a vehicle, to many camping, backpacking, canoeing, and cycling trips, to creating survival kits for his daughters. He cared for his family and treasured his time with them. If the family was doing an activity, that was reason enough for him to join in. Interment at Fort Meigs Cemetery and a Celebration of Life Service will occur at a later date. If wishing to send a memorial please consider one of these favorites of Gary; Way Public Library, 101 E. Indiana Ave. Perrysburg, Ohio 43551, Black Swamp Conservancy, PO Box 332, Perrysburg, Ohio 43552, Perrysburg First United Methodist Church, 200 W. Second St. Perrysburg, Ohio 43551. Arrangements were entrusted to Witzler Shank Walker Funeral Home (419-874-3133) Online condolences may be left at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com