Samuel E. Bevill, age 92, passed away Saturday, June 20, 2009, in the LaBelle Manor Care Center in LaBelle, Missouri.
He was born in Lewis County near Nelsonville, Missouri, to Samuel T. and Ivy E. Bright Bevill on August 3, 1916.
Sam graduated from Steffenville High School in 1935, then taught in local rural schools in Lewis and Marion Counties in the winter and attended Kirksville State Teachers College (now Truman State University) during the summer. He graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Education in 1943.
He was united in marriage to Roberta Dawson on March 3, 1940 and she preceded him in death February 20, 2008.
He served his country in the Philippines and other Pacific Theaters during World War II, and was among the first American troops to enter mainland Japan after the nation's surrender.
Upon return from military service, he began teaching at Harrison Elementary School in Peoria, Illinois and later retired as the principal of that school in 1972.
While in Peoria he received a Masters Degree in Education from Bradley University, was active in Glen Oak Christian Church and belonged to civic and professional organizations. He was a life member of the Illinois PTA, the Illinois Education Association and the American Legion.
On retirement he moved to LaBelle where he and Roberta made their home on a small farm east of town. In LaBelle he was active in the American Legion Post # 200, the LaBelle Christian Church and the LaBelle Manor Nursing Home Board.
He and Roberta enjoyed extensive travel and were active in several Airstream Trailer Associations.
He is survived by one son, Terry, a daughter-in-law Laurel, grandchildren Stephanie Lee and Aaron Samuel Bevill, one sister, Lucille Sharpe, and nieces Lavonne Brenner and Marilyn Meyer.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 23, 2009, in the Coder Funeral Home at LaBelle, Missouri. Pastor Joe Jorgensen will officiate the services. Burial with full Military Honors will be in the LaBelle Cemetery conducted by LaBelle American Legion Post # 200.
Visitation will be on Monday, June 22, 2009, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Coder Funeral Chapel in LaBelle, Missouri.
Memorials may be made to the First Christian Church of LaBelle or the LaBelle Manor Care Center and may be left at or mailed to Coder Funeral Home, P.O. Box 151, LaBelle, Missouri, 63447.