Obituary of Rev. Samuel Scantlen

Samuel “Sam” R. Scantlen, 64, of Galien, passed away, at his home, on July 28, 2020. Sam was born on July 16, 1956 in Coldwater, MI, to the late Robert and Thelma (Weaver) Scantlen. He graduated from Coldwater High School in 1974. On September 1, 1979 he married the love of his life, Joy E. Meyer. Sam was a faithful husband to his wife Joy for over 40 years. He was a loving father and foster dad to more than 40 children, in addition to the eight children he adopted. He also loved his nine grandchildren. Sam was a wonderful pastor who loved studying and teaching God’s Word. He strived to serve The Lord in everything he did. His favorite verse was Matthew 5:16: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven”. He attended and graduated from Bethel College, Mishawaka, earning his BA in 1981 and a Master’s Degree in 2003. He was a youth minister at the Bristol, IN Missionary Church, and Church Planter / first Pastor of the Missionary Church in Galien, MI. He also pastored Missionary Churches in Allentown, PA, Boyertown, PA, and Millington, MI. In 2003 he was ordained as a minister in the Church of the Nazarene, and served as Associate Pastor at the Buchanan Church of the Nazarene for 12 years. Sam loved nature and being outdoors, and enjoyed deer hunting. He loved animals, especially his three beagles. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Eugene and Thelma Scantlen; brother, Eugene Scantlen; and his sister Helen Scheidler. Sam is survived by his wife, Joy; and his children, Jessica (Damian) Bryant, Jeff Scantlen, Kris Scantlen, John Scantlen, Ginny Scantlen, Ashley Scantlen, Kyle Scantlen, and Robert Scantlen, and grand-children Justin, Jordan, Sophia, Olivia, Damian, Jr., Gavin, Clark, Akira and Danjour; he also leaves behind five sisters, Susan (Dan) Shoup-Wise, Waneta (Terry) Huss, Mary Lou (Mel) Steinberg, Loretta (Keith) Hasu, and Pat Kunert. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, August 22, 2020, at the Buchanan Church of the Nazarene, 704 W. Front St, Buchanan.