Sam "TEX" Hall

SAM "TEX" HALL, of Fort Wayne, passed away on Saturday, April 8, 2017. The summation of such an extravagant life is difficult in 300 or so words, but here goes Sam liked to work and when he wasn't working, he might have been doing something at work. He enjoyed the finer things in life like Miller High Life, a fine fifty-cent cigar, and braun-schweiger if he was really feeling festive, he might break out a can of smoked oysters for you. He had exciting hobbies like scraping and painting the radiators in his house, waxing the old Corvette to the point that the finish was wearing away, and pulling leaves out of gutters. He spared no expense in his personal appearance self-done haircuts, brushing his teeth with Comet if he was out of toothpaste, and the finest fashions known to man in 1972. He liked to work because that's what people do and he liked being with people willing to do it with him. He liked cheap beer and cigars because it tasted good to him and why spend more if you don't have to. He enjoyed working on his house because he loved his neighborhood and wanted everyone else to love it, too. He didn't fuss about his own appearance because why should he have to. He did all of these things because he truly believed that simple pleasures and a simple life are not complacent or apathetic they are glorious, and to be celebrated. His desire to strive for a life comfortable in his own skin is what he wanted for all of us, and is what has touched so profoundly all who knew him well.

Those lucky enough to have called him husband, dad, brother, uncle, friend, or grandpa are who they are today because of him. He will be sorely missed, but his impact survives in those fortunate souls who crossed his path over 68 very short years.

Service is 11:30 a.m. Thursday, April 13, 2017, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 4500 Fairfield Ave., Fort Wayne, with calling one hour prior. Please, in lieu of a formal visitation service, join us at The Philmore on Broadway, 2441 Broadway, Fort Wayne immediately following the service. This is a man who shied from formality we intend to honor this with something to eat, something to toast, and fond remembrance as deep into the evening as we need to go.