Samuel C. Elkins

Samuel C. Elkins, 57, a lifelong resident of South Bend passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his wife and two children, on Sunday March 26, 2023.

Samuel was born on July 17, 1965 in South Bend to the late Donald C. Elkins and Sandra R. (Bone) Elkins. He graduated from Lasalle High School and went on to become a proud operating engineer of Local 150.

Samuel met and married Tracy Damp in South Bend on December 30, 1992. Together they had 2 children; Brandi (Ronald) Shaw of Osceola and Dalton (Christina) Elkins of Nappanee.

Samuel is survived by his beautiful wife of 30 years Tracy Elkins, his daughter Brandi Shaw, son Dalton Elkins, sister Steffanie Goldsberg, grandson Ronald Shaw IV, granddaughter Addison Shaw, and a grandchild on the way, due in April.

Samuel was preceded in death by his parents.

Samuel was a proud member of the American Legion Post 284, the VFW 1954, and the Chain-O-Lakes Conservation Club.

Sam was a fan of Notre Dame, the Chicago Cubs, and the Chicago Bears. Sam also loved spending time outdoors and spent most of his free time hunting and fishing with those closest to him. From hunting with his son Dalton, helping him harvest a deer in the Indiana record book, to fishing for bluegill and crappie with his family and friends, Sam spent as much time as he could outdoors. When Sam was not hunting or fishing on the weekends, he spent his time camping with his wife Tracy while smoking his favorite meats and cooking his favorite foods. Also, a life-long fan of NASCAR legend Mark Martin, Sam spent his Sundays watching the race.

Annual vacations to Florida with his wife Tracy gave Sam the break from winter that he needed to enjoy the sun, drinks, and great seafood that he always loved.

Most importantly, Sam was most proud of the children he raised, Brandi and Dalton, and his grandchildren Ron IV, Addison, and soon to be baby Elkins. Sam was a proud papa, who would do anything for his grandchildren. Sam looked forward to the day he could take his grandson on his first fishing trip or teach him to ride his first dirt bike. Although the time never came, we know Sam will always be with them when those moments do come. Nothing made Sam happier than being surrounded by the smiling faces of his wife, kids, and grandchildren.

A memorial visitation will be held from 12p.m. until 2 p.m. on Thursday March 30, 2023 at the Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel. A memorial service will begin at 2 p.m. in the funeral home.

Memorial contributions in Samuel’s name may be made to the Center for Hospice 504 Comfort Place Mishawaka, IN 46545.

Online condolences may be sent to the family via the Palmer Funeral Homes website at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com

Posted online on March 28, 2023

Published in South Bend Tribune

03/28/2023 EJS