SAMUEL F. PENLAND

Samuel Frank Penland 47, died June 30, 2005, at his home in Palmer, from complications of injuries received in an auto accident a few years ago, and from complications of diabetes.

Viewing will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 7, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, on Bogard Road in Wasilla, followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m. Burial will be at Fort Richardson National Cemetery in Anchorage.

Mr. Penland was born Oct. 11, 1957, in Marion, Ind. He spent his childhood in the Marion area, moving to Las Vegas with his mother when he was 10. He attended school there through high school. After graduating, he joined the U. S. Marine Corps and was discharged in 1977.

He lived in Las Vegas for a year, then attended the University of North Carolina-Asheville. He felt a calling into his Lord's ministry and enrolled in Evangel University in Missouri. For a time he worked with a Christian TV and radio ministry in South Carolina, then with a church in Asheville.

Mr. Penland lived in many areas of the country, including Florida, California, North Carolina, New Mexico, Michigan and Alaska. While in Michigan he had an auto accident in 1995, which left him with a closed-head injury, and spent the ensuing 10 years trying to recover from it.

His family wrote, "He loved the Lord and despite much pain and suffering, he spent time reading his Bible. He enjoyed Bible study and discussion and listening to his stereo music. He also enjoyed the outdoors -- hiking, camping and hunting and target shooting. He loved cooking and was well-known for it, feeding many of his neighbors. He also spent much time reading. Samuel was much loved and will be missed."

He was known as the hero of Daybreak Apartments in Palmer while living there. When they had the fire in December 2003, he went back into the apartments four times to help residents out before being almost overcome with smoke inhalation.

Mr. Penland is survived by his mother and stepfather (Mama and Papa), Luis and Janice Vargas of Wasilla; father and stepmother, Sam and Margaret Penland of Asheville, N.C.; and many aunts, uncles and cousins throughout the country.

His constant companion and friend, his dog, Ezekiel, will be lost without his master and buddy.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Rita Kay, and both maternal and paternal grandparents.

Memorial contributions may be sent to Alaska Brain Injury Association, 409 North Main St., #166, Wasilla, AK 99654, and condolences may be sent to Janice and Luis Vargas, P.O. Box 872062, Wasilla, AK 99687, (907) 373-2135.

Arrangements are with Valley Funeral Home & Crematory.