Samuel M. Tenbarge

Samuel M. Tenbarge, 55, of Evansville, passed away Saturday, October 5, 2024 at his home. He was born July 30, 1969 in Evansville to Henrietta (Jarboe) and Harry Tenbarge.
Sam graduated from Memorial High School in 1988. He worked for Fed Ex for 20 years and most recently worked as an insurance agent for Shepherd Insurance for 14 years. Sam also worked part-time for SUV Limo Service.
Sam was a lively and active member of Good Shepherd Catholic Church. He and his wife, Lori, were summer social committee chairs for over 20 years. Sam volunteered as a Bingo crew chief for 25 years, a baseball coach, and Scout leader. He was a third degree in the Knights of Columbus and served as a Grand Knight. Sam and his family earned the Family of the Year award from the Knights of Columbus and they received the Bruté Society Award. Sam was involved in the Cursillo movement for 30+ years and was honored to become a coordinator. He remained committed to his Cursillo group and faithfully attended their 6:00 a.m. Saturday rosary and prayer group.
Sam was a fun loving, energetic, full of life Child of God! He had a contagious smile, positive attitude and never met a stranger. He used his personality and talents to serve the various aspects in his life. His volunteerism at Memorial was well known. In an effort to improve the environment of athletics, he served as the "Voice of the Tigers." He developed relationships with people in everything he did. He enjoyed playing cards, softball, wiffleball, fantasy football, playing Santa for kids, and recently discovered the joys of camping (thanks to Lori). He was an O.G. beer pong player and was an avid Reds fan. His bigger than life personality, talent to rhyme and rap, combined with his showmanship led him to be known as "Sam de Jam." This talent enlivened many special occasions, and allowed him to show his love for his family and friends. He was a man who put others needs before himself, sacrificing to serve others always striving to become a finely tuned instrument of God.
He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Lori (Rausch) Tenbarge; son, Adam (Megan) Tenbarge; daughters, Abigail (Grant) Boone and Annie Tenbarge; mother, Henrietta "Hank" Tenbarge; brothers, Jeff (Beth) Tenbarge and Neil (Valerie) Tenbarge; and several nieces and nephews.
Sam was preceded in death by his father, Harry Tenbarge.
Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 9, 2024 at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 2301 N. Stockwell Rd., Evansville with a memorial service starting at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Thursday, October 10, 2024 at the church. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:00 a.m. at the church with Father Zach Etienne officiating. Service will be webcast at @GoodShepherdCatholicParish on YouTube.
Entombment will be at St. Joseph Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 2301 N. Stockwell Rd., Evansville, IN 47715, Memorial High School, 1500 Lincoln Ave., Evansville, IN 47714 or to the church for a Mass in Sam's name.