Samuel Holmes Vasbinder

Samuel Holmes Vasbinder, 86, of North Canton, Ohio, passed away peacefully on June 21, 2024. He was born on November 19, 1937, in Carrollton, Ohio, to the late Harold Samuel Vasbinder and Wilma Elizabeth Metz.
Sam was a devoted educator, scholar, and lover of the arts. He earned his B.S. in Education, M.A. in English, and Ph.D. in English from Kent State University, where he also taught English composition for several years. He taught English, humanities, biology, and modern history at various schools in Ohio, including Augusta High School, Carrollton High School, and Canton City Schools. He designed and developed the Humanities Seminar for McKinley and Timken High Schools leading thousands of students to a greater appreciation of the arts.
Sam was also an adjunct faculty at The University of Akron, Mount Union College, Malone College, and Walsh University, where he taught courses in English, art history, understanding music, and fine arts. He received many honors and awards for his teaching excellence, including being named Teacher of the Year from the Greater Canton Chamber of Commerce in 1988.
Sam was an avid reader, writer, and researcher of science fiction, especially the works of Mary Shelley. His dissertation title was "Scientific Attitudes in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein", and he was a member of the Science Fiction Research Organization. He also had a passion for calligraphy, theater, poetry, and music. He directed several plays and musicals at the schools where he taught and was a board member of The Canton Symphony Orchestra Association and The Palace Theater Association. He volunteered at The Canton Art Institute, The Stark County Historical Society, and the United Way.
Sam is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Barbara (Burt) Vasbinder; his three stepchildren, Jeffrey, Robert, Eva, and daughter, Elizabeth; his eight grandchildren, and his three great granddaughters. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Irene (Vasbinder) Holler.
A memorial service will be held August 31, 2024, at 11 am in the Chapel at North Lawn Cemetery, 4927 Cleveland Avenue NW. As a tribute to Sam's ever-present cheerfulness please wear something red. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Canton Art Institute, The Canton Symphony Orchestra Chorus, or your favorite local arts program in his memory.