“For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” - Philippians 1:21Samuel Harris Suganandam, age 91, peacefully entered into his eternal rest on Monday, January 5, 2026.Born on January 27, 1934, in Chittoor, India, to Cornelius and Jessie Samuel, Harris was the eldest of seven children. He had a lifelong passion for learning and placed a high value on education. He earned his Master of Arts in History from Madras University, being one of only two individuals from his class to pass with a first class distinction. In 1964, he was selected by the Ethiopian government to serve as a teacher in the public school system. He was afraid his father would never allow him to go to an unknown land but then he received a letter from the Ethiopian Evangelical College in Debre Zeit, Ethiopia informing him that because of his Christian faith, they had requested the Ethiopian Ministry of Education to lend them his services for one year. Upon receiving this news, he nervously presented the letter to his father who after reading it, stood up, gave him a hug and said, “Go, this is God's calling!” What was expected to be one year of teaching turned into 32 years of missionary work. In 1965, Harris returned to India and married Pramila Devi, and three months later she joined him in Ethiopia. Together, they embarked on a lifelong journey of faith and service and it was there that they lovingly raised their three children: Sylvia, Praveen, and Nalini.In 1976, Harris and his family moved to the capital city of Addis Ababa. There he served as a professor at the Mekane Yesus Seminary and in numerous capacities at the International Lutheran Church (ILC). Harris was deeply passionate about his students and often created educational resources for their growth and development. He was intentional in mentorship and discipleship and, together with Pramila, regularly opened their home to students for fellowship and prayer. He took great pride in seeing many of his students go on to serve in prominent leadership roles within the Church. He was blessed to serve alongside colleagues from around the globe and cherished opportunities to visit several African countries.Harris furthered his theological education by earning a Master of Divinity from London University and was subsequently ordained as a minister of the Word. He served as a pastor at the ILC while continuing his role as a professor at the seminary.Harris was also actively involved in the Indian community in Addis Ababa, forming lifelong relationships. He and Pramila often took young couples under their wings, helping them navigate life in a new country and cultural context. He was affectionately known as “Uncle” or “Annan” (older brother), and many sought his counsel because of his wisdom, calm spirit, and gentle demeanor.In his final years in Ethiopia, Harris transitioned to an administrative role at the head office of the Mekane Yesus Church. In 1996, he and Pramila retired from service in Ethiopia and returned to India. They continued their ministry in Vellore, dedicating 23 years to CSI St. John’s Church and the Schieffelin Institute of Health. During this time, Harris also served at the Good News Baptist Bible College. He had a deep passion for teaching God’s Word in ways that were intentional, practical, simple, and applicable. In 2014, he began a weekly Bible study for several members of St. John’s Church, which continues to meet faithfully. Harris was especially delighted to join the group last year in India, where they celebrated his 91st birthday together.In 2019, Harris and Pramila relocated to the United States to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Over the past six years he remained active in ministry. In Grand Rapids, Michigan, he faithfully attended Madison Church: South Hill Campus, participated in and contributed to a weekly Bible study, and had opportunities to preach. In Chattanooga, Tennessee, he preached at the Indian Pentecostal Church and led devotions at Bible study gatherings. In St. Louis, Missouri, he cherished being part of the Tamil Fellowship, where he shared his wisdom and built meaningful relationships with many families. Over the past year, he remained closely connected to a Bible study group in India through regular Zoom meetings.Family was central to Harris’ life. Early on, he established a consistent routine of family devotions and prayer. Throughout his life, he was intentional in discipling his children and grandchildren, creating devotional resources for them and never missing an opportunity to share Scripture, pray, and offer a blessing.God graciously allowed Harris to remain active, healthy, and of sound mind until the very end. His passion for learning never waned, and his ability to retain information and remember details was remarkable. One of his greatest joys was intercessory prayer, and his prayer book was filled with the names of those he encountered throughout his life. He modeled a life grounded in prayer and deep faith. He fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. We are confident that he has been welcomed by his Savior, Jesus Christ, with the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”Harris was preceded in death by his loving wife, Pramila. He is survived by his children, their spouses and his beloved grandchildren whom he loved dearly: Sylvia and David Banks of Chattanooga, Tennessee; Praveen and Betsy Suganandam of St. Louis, Missouri; Nalini and Mark Van Den Bosch of Grand Rapids, Michigan; grandchildren Benjamin, Caleb, and Maiya Banks, and Malaika and Ian Suganandam; his sisters, Stella Reuben and Beulah Samuel of Vellore, India; and extended family members.Visitation will be held at the FAMILY CENTER at the SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory, 14960 Manchester Road at Holloway, Ballwin, MO 63011 on Friday, January 16, 2026 from 4:30 PM - 8:00 PM CST. Friends may sign the family’s on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.A Celebration of Life service will be held at The Journey Church West County, 625 Meramec Station Road, Manchester, MO 63021 on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 2:00 PM CST.A burial service will take place at Chenoa Township Cemetery in Chenoa, Illinois on Sunday, January 18, 2026 at 1:00 PM CST. A ministry donation link, in lieu of flowers, will be included at a later date.
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