Obituaries: Achord

Sam AchordSam Achord

Samuel E. “Sam” Achord, 68, of Bloomington, Ill., passed away at 8:38 p.m., Tuesday, February 21, 2018 at his home.

His funeral will be at 11 a.m., Monday, Feb. 26, at Second Presbyterian Church, Bloomington with Rev. Paul Stroup officiating. Burial will be in Park Hill Cemetery, Bloomington. Visitation will be from 3-5 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 25, at Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home, Bloomington and from 10-11 a.m., Monday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Second Presbyterian Church or the Bloomington-Normal Community Concert Band.

Sam was born Feb. 16, 1950 in Oak Park, the son of Bud and Marj Achord. He married Molly Haas on Oct. 10, 1992 at Second Presbyterian Church, Bloomington. She survives.

He is also survived by a daughter, Shanna Achord of Kansas City, Mo., a sister, Sue Bennett of Plainfield, Ill. and many beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant daughter, Cassie Samantha Achord.

Sam was a graduate of Illinois State University and served as drum major while at the university. He worked at Musicland and then later went on to work as a dedicated Letter Carrier for the United States Postal Service for 34 years before retiring.

Sam was a member of Second Presbyterian Church and the Bloomington-Normal Community Concert Band, where he played saxophone. He was also a member of the Brotherhood Tree Committee, Monday Night Friend of Bill W meeting and the Thursday Morning Breakfast Club at Shannon’s.

Sam loved many things in life, including music of all kinds, being a band parent, Drum Corp, walking the park with his dogs, camping, grilling, golfing, playing Cribbage, reading books to his wife, being a “Super Man Babysitter” to Avery and Peyton, the Chicago Cubs, Chicago Blackhawks and he tried to never miss the ISU women’s basketball games.

His friends and family meant a lot to him. At the time of his death, Sam was lifted up by prayers of friends and family all over the world. Sam had a deep faith and enjoyed reading scripture everyday with his wife Molly. His generosity, sense of humor and wisdom are already missed.

To express condolences online, please visit www.carmodyflynn.com.

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