Carlton "Sam" Wayne Eugene Strosnider

Carlton "Sam" Strosnider, of New Weston, passed away on Thursday, November 1, 2018 at the age of 93. He was born on October 22, 1925 in Winchester, Virginia to Ernest and Ruth (Hook) Strosnider.

In addition to his parents, Sam was preceded in death by his step-father Albert Fishel; his wife, Melissa Strosnider; his son, Joe Strosnider; and his sisters, Clarice Strosnider and Helen Eley.

Sam is survived by his daughters and son-in-law, Susan DeRegnaucourt of Ansonia, Amy (Rob) Kozak of Ansonia, Dixie Stone of Ansonia; his daughter-in-law, Mary Strosnider; his grandchildren, Jennifer Pryer, John Strosnider, Julie Case, Amber DeRegnaucourt, Sharon Kelly, Samantha Stone, Jennifer Stone, Keith Kozak, Kim Kozak, and Lee Kozak; his great grandchildren, Andrea, Mike, Matt, Ashley, Trenten, Mollie, Hailie, Bryce, Layla, Harold, Conrad, Cameron, Chloe, Haylee; his great-great granddaughter, Hazel; sister-in-law; Carol Labig; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Sam was an active member of Teegarden Congregational Christian Church, the American Legion Post 353 of Ansonia for 72 years, and a founding member of the Darke County Sheriff Patrol.

Sam was a leader, a mentor, and his word was his bond. He was extremely intelligent and was a true "whole-brainer". Not only did he remember details of his experiences, he was able to visualize, organize, plan and follow through to be successful in many different areas.

Carlton was a responsible worker even from an early age, driving trucks to haul apples at age 12. After moving to Ohio he took on more jobs during his high school years, such as working in a butcher shop, on a chicken farm, and as school janitor.

After graduating from Ansonia High School in 1943, he entered the Army Air Corps in 1944 where he grew seven inches by the time he was honorably discharged in 1946. He began flight training while in the service, but set this goal aside for decades until his family was reared. He later got his pilot's license and both flew and owned ultra-lights and a Cessna.

Carlton married in 1947. While working as a farmer, he always held another job as well (Kitchenaid, U.S. Postmaster at Ansonia, rural mail carrier for Rossburg). He was always busy building and repairing things and considering new opportunities. After retiring he took on other jobs (mowing at the Darke Co. airport and as caretaker for the Hills of Judea near Wayne Lakes).

Carlton was an active member of Teegarden Congregational Christian Church and held numerous offices over the years (deacon, trustee, Sunday school superintendent and teacher, chorister, head of the building committee for the 1972 enlargement).

As a member of the American Legion Post 353 of Ansonia for 72 years, he held both local and district offices and was chaplain for many years.

Sam was among the founding members of the Darke County Sheriff Patrol, serving from November 1959 to 1970.

Sam was an outstanding bowler, winning many trophies, participating in national tournaments, and bowling even after becoming a senior citizen. He was also an excellent card player, especially euchre and poker.

As an avid hunter and fisherman, he provided a variety of food for the family table. He was proficient with guns, muzzleloader, and bow. His distant trips (southern Ohio, Adirondacks, Rocky Mountains, and elsewhere) also provided stories of experiences with his hunting buddies.

Dad enjoyed music and, when in high school, played trumpet in the band, guitar with his older sister, and was first tenor in the all county choir. Later, he also played additional stringed instruments. His favorite was the tenor banjo with which he accompanied us, while singing bass in our family quartet.

He left us with this advice, "Do what you need to do."

Family and friends may visit on Friday, November 9, 2018 from 3 PM to 5 PM at Teegarden Congregational Christian Church 2753 ST. RT. 47 W Ansonia, Ohio. A Celebration of Life memorial service will follow at 5 PM with Pastor Eric Knight officiating. Burial will be at Greenville Union Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Teegarden Congregational Christian Church PO Box Ansonia, Ohio, 45303 and State of Heart Hospice 1350 N Broadway St, Greenville, OH 45331.

Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.tributefuneralhomes.com.