MOUNT VERNON — Samuel L. “Sam” Snow, 78, passed away Aug. 9, 2008, at the select Specialty Hospital in Columbus.

Be was born May 3, 1930, in Mount Vernon and was the son of the late Noble and Florence (Hookway) Snow. Sam was a 1948 graduate of Mount Vernon High School and had spent his lifetime in Mount Vernon. He was a Korean War veteran and was honorably discharged as a staff sergeant in 1951.

Sam was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church in Jelloway, where he was a past deacon and board member of the church. He was a member of the Circuits, a Semi Pro Basketball team, on a bowling team in the Brunswick League, Moose Golf League, on the Citizens Jr. Legion Baseball Champion team, on slow pitch softball teams for the church, Jet Cleaners and Marathon Oil, where he was the sponsor, pitcher and manger for many years. Sam was a coach for Minor League Baseball, Little League, Babe Ruth and Colt Football. He was a president of the Mount Vernon Athletic Boosters and a member of the Band Boosters. He was self-employed for 30 years with Marathon Oil Co. and then worked for John DeCosky & Ross Jeep Eagle Dealerships.

Sam is survived by his wife of 54 years, Pauline (Swendal) Snow; his sons, Doug (Desi) Snow, Gary (Tina) Snow, Lancaster; his daughters, Diana (Bob) Tocheff, Brenda (Brian) Stafford and Lori (Andy) McBride, Centerburg; his grandchildren, Michael McNeil (friend, Anji Villa), Corey and Cody Stafford, Sam Daubenspeck, Lindsay McBride, Taylor Snow, Cyndi Snow, Kyle (Becky) Tocheff, Kim (Adam) Dillon and Clay Tocheff. He had one great-grandchild, Madelyn Tocheff. In addition Sam is survived by brothers, Noble (Agnes) Snow, Roy (Leaffie) Snow; sisters, Marjorie (Bob) Carlin, Nora Mae (Dale) Wilson and Eileen (Harry) Hillier; and sisters-in-law, Audrey Snow and Rosie (Harold) Snively.

Sam was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Lamont, Hubert and Harold Snow; sister, Beulah (Earl) McCormick; and an infant sister.

Sam really enjoyed traveling, playing cards, going to sporting events and spending time with his family and friends. He was also a big fan of the Cleveland Indians and the OSU Buckeyes.

The family will receive friends to celebrate his life at the Lakeholm Church of the Nazarene, 16001 Glen Road, Mount Vernon, on Thursday, Aug. 14, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. The funeral will be Friday, Aug. 15, at 10 a.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church, 20177 Wooster Road, Jelloway, with Pastors Bege Wiegman and Larry Hall officiating. Burial with military honors will be conducted by the Knox County Joint Veterans Council will follow at the church cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in Sam’s name to Zion Lutheran Church, 20177 Wooster Road, Danville, OH 43014; or to Sam Snow’s Grandchildren Education Fund, c/o First-Knox National Bank, P.O. Box 1270, Mount Vernon; OH 43050. Sam was very proud of his grandchildren and they were his true pride and joy.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.snyderfuneralhomes.com. The Dowds-Snyder Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mr. Snow.