Photo courtesy of Lake Cumberland Funeral Home - Somerset
Somerset, Kentucky
Nov 11, 1959 – Sep 16, 2015
Samuel J. Burkhart Early, age 56, of Edmonton, departed this life on Wednesday, September 16, 2015, at Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital, in Somerset.
Sam was born on November 11, 1959, in Corbin, to the large family of the late Wilse and Eulah Burkhart. Sam was adopted by his elder sister and brother-in-law, Evelyn and Richard Early. He was a graduate of Shopville High School and attended Western Kentucky University.
He is survived by his brothers, Malcolm Burkhart, of Edmonton, and Tim Early and Talmage "Pole" Early, both of Somerset; his sisters, Patsy Chappel, of Lexington, Tannah Patrick, of Rockholds, Wilma Brown, of Rockholds, Kathy Plowman, of Magnolia, Jody Prebeck, of Norwood, Missouri, Jewell Lay, of Edmonton, Dora Lauer, of Lawrenceburg, Indiana, Tracy Perkins, of Somerset, and Belinda Gail Early, of Somerset; and his two dogs, Oda and Bertram.
Preceding Sam in death are his biological parents, Wilse and Eulah Burkhart, and his adoptive parents, Evelyn and Richard Early.
A Memorial Service to honor the Life of Samuel J. Burkhart Early will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2015, at 1:00 p.m., in the Craig's Chapel Cemetery, in Rockholds.
Malcolm and Doris and family...so sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers as you mourn the loss of a wonderful man Sam Early. God Bless you and comfort your hearts. I love you all!
Delania Perry
September 21, 2015 | Somerset, KY
So sorry to hear that Sam passed away. He was such an inspiration to a lot of us at Shopville High School!
Tammy (Price) Hamm
September 20, 2015 | Columbus, OH
Sam am missing you a lot but know that we will see you again in another time. Love little Bertram and he is fitting in well with the gang. Will miss going fishing. love you.
Jewell Lay
September 19, 2015
We are thinking of you family in you time of lose.
Mary Ann & Jennie Lou
September 18, 2015
My favorite memory of Sam was the first time I met him watching him fish in Malcom and Doris's pond. Sam had a huge bucket of fish! Sam told me how he had never caught so many fish at one time. I asked him what he was going to do with those fish. He smiled and said Eat them! I found out sometime later that Malcom had stocked the pond. I laugh every time I think about Sam fishing out of that pond.
Tony George
September 18, 2015
I went to school with Sam, I always remembered his beautiful smile,and his kindness for everyone. He showed us all life is what you make it. I send my prayers to all, but I want to send the sister who raised Sam a special prayer, because you did an amazing job,and Thank You for being there.
Joy Chaney
September 18, 2015 | Somerset, KY
My friend, we just reconnected, sad so see you gone. You were an inspiration most days in high school, and a pain in my butt on others. the inspiration was watching your determination in learning to drive...I did not flinch once. You are safe now. Always...
Tamara (Price) Arment
September 18, 2015 | Fairborn, OH
Love and miss you Sam you will always be in my heart.We will meet again someday love you.
Dora Lauer
September 18, 2015 | Lawrenceburg, IN
You will be missed and fondly remembered, so glad you blessed us with your presence last weekend, so glad malcolm got to spend time with you and share some beer with his little brother. Your were a kind soul Sam , this is true of you ,,there is a saying he would give you the shirt off his back well brother your kindness went beyond sayings and words you always put into action what your heart told you to do. you loved life and woke up everyday ready to tackle the day and enjoy it. Thank you...
doris burkhart
September 18, 2015