Samuel Curtis Farlow

Samuel Curtis Farlow, 72, passed away April 23, 2020, at IU Health Bedford Hospital after a short illness. Sam was born April 15, 1948, to Nathan and Dorothy Osborn Farlow and lived his entire life within a four mile radius. Sam’s birth was extraordinary as his parents were advanced in years, had been married a long time, and did not believe they would have children. Sam spent most of his life on the family farm along Log Creek before moving into Windsor Manor about ten years ago.

His father died when Sam was only 10, leaving Sam to be raised by his widowed mother to whom he was very attached. When Dorothy moved to the Paoli Nursing Home, Sam began to go visit her every day, beginning what would remain one of the focal points of his life, his attachment to nursing homes. After her death in 1991 and the closing of the Paoli Nursing Home, he began to volunteer at Paoli Health and Living and Medco. Sam delighted in socializing with the residents and would help wheel them to the dining room. During his recoveries from two significant surgeries, he became a resident himself, but after he was released he continued what he always called his ministry. He was so devoted to this that even when macular degeneration forced him to give up driving, he continued to walk there every day. When the novel coronavirus forced the lockdown of Paoli Health and Living, no one was more devastated than Sam as he could no longer visit his beloved residents. 

Sam worked at the Paoli Shoe Company until it closed and later worked a short while at Springs Valley Meadows (which he always called “Medico!”). Sam was also for many years an avid Paoli Rams fan and could be seen sitting in the bleachers at every home game. Sam was a lifetime member of the Friends of Jesus Fellowship Friends Church (Newberry Friends Church) where he was affectionately known as “Old Faithful.” Unless he was in the hospital or recovering in the nursing home, Sam was there for the meetings on Sundays and Wednesdays. In fact, he had perfect attendance for nearly 20 years! Those who knew him at church remember the poignant devotional readings he would occasionally share that would be very on-target, and when Sam prayed, everyone listened! 

Sam had no near relatives. He never married or had children. He was preceded in death by his parents, aunts and uncles, and cousins. He is survived by his caretakers Chris and Michelle Lindley, his church whom he saw as his family, and the many friends throughout the community that he made over the years. 

Graveside services will be held at the Paoli Community Cemetery Monday, April 27, at 11am with Bro. Chris Lindley officiating. Sam will be laid to rest next to his parents. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Friends of Jesus Fellowship at 2153 W. U.S. Highway 150, Paoli, IN 47454. 

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