Samuel Endicott

Well-known Carmi businessman, Samuel L. Endicott, passed away on October 9, 2019 at the age of 96. Sam was born on January 11, 1923 to Dale and Cora (Hon) Endicott. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Martha G. Endicott.

Soon after graduating high school in Carmi in 1942, Sam enlisted in the armed services and served in the European theater during World War II, first with 99th Infantry Division of the United States Army, and later with the U.S. Army Air Force, where Sam left with the rank of Sergeant in 1946.

Upon his return to Illinois, Sam completed his education at SIU, Carbondale in 1948 with a degree in Business Administration. That same year, he and Martha were married and he began his career as an insurance agent primarily for The Equitable Life Assurance Society.

Sam was a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church in Carmi, and served in numerous capacities there over the years. He was a driving force in FUMC’s community activism, including bringing a Laotian refugee family to Carmi in the 1980’s and, with Martha, being involved in the creation of the Evergreen Acres affordable living community in Carmi.

Sam was active in community events outside the church as well, and was recognized for his leadership when he and Martha jointly won Citizen of the Year honors in 1997. His keen interest in history manifested itself in his service to the White County Historical Society, for which he served as President and where he was instrumental in obtaining the Matsel Cabin and the Mary Smith Faye Genealogy Library for the Society. He was a longtime member of the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club.

Sam’s lifelong love of travel and learning led him to wide travels in the US, Mexico and Europe. He led informal discussion groups in Carmi to discuss politics and books, and after he lost his eyesight, he continued to be a voracious consumer of books through the Talking Books service of the Illinois State Library.

Sam is survived by his wife Martha; daughter Barbara (Steve) Adams, sons Bill Endicott and Rob Endicott; his grandchildren Max Adams, Emily Adams (Steve Hiltebeitel) and Nathaniel Endicott and his step-grandchildren Aric (April) and Lauren Koehler; and four great-grandchildren.

Memorial service will be held on Friday, October 18 at the First United Methodist Church in Carmi. Visitation will be in the church from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.. Services will begin at 12:00 p.m. and committal of ashes with military honors by Carmi American Legion and V.F.W. will be in White County Memorial Garden. In lieu of flowers,  Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church of Carmi, 100 S. Church St., Carmi, IL 62821 or to the White County Historical Society, 203 N. Church St, Carmi, IL 62821, and will be accepted at Campbell Funeral Home. Campbell Funeral Home in Carmi is in charge of arrangements.