David Samuel 'Sam' Hostetter

Thursday, April 29, 2010

David Samuel Hostetter, 90, of Bloomington, formerly of Roachdale, was born May 8, 1919 and died on Monday, April 19, 2010 in Bloomington in the presence of his family.

Sam graduated from Bainbridge High School in 1937 and enrolled in Indiana University. After his initial foray in the School of Business, Sam switched his major to music, his true passion. His drive and success were fueled by having perfect pitch. He majored in composition and violin, and was a part of many concerts with his violin and his voice.

Because of World War II, IU graduated his class early in March of 1942. Sam was eager to serve in the war, and joined the Army Air Corps. His musical abilities served him well there in his job, which was teaching radar to pilots, as well as in his social life. His ability to play the piano, sing and write musicals kept service men and women entertained. It also led to his meeting an attractive Red Cross worker when they were both stationed on Guam.

He wed Jean Kerr in 1945, and they remained happily married for 52 years until her passing. Sam was fortunate enough to find love again with Jennie Sharp, whom he married in 1997.

After the war, Sam farmed with his father and then joined the Roachdale Bank and Trust Company (now known as Tri County Bank). His career at the bank lasted for 35 years, during which time he served as president, CEO and chairman of the board. Sam was an innovator. He established the first drive-up window, the first branch office in the county and later expanded the bank to three branches. He developed the first small bank operating software in the region and later sold it to H. Ross Perot of EDS.

Sam directed the Roachdale Presbyterian Church Choir for 20 years, was a contributing member of the Lions Club and served on the Putnam County Hospital Board during the building of the new hospital.

Sam was well-known for his passion for music. He wrote both secular and religious compositions throughout his life. His children and grandchildren still play and sing his tunes. But perhaps Sam was known even better for his warmth, kindness, thoughtfulness and good humor. He tried hard to make the world a better place for others, and he often succeeded.

Sam was born at home, the son of Howard and Blanche Miller Hostetter of Bainbridge.

Survivors include his wife, Virginia "Jennie" Sharp; three children, Lynn Berger (Allan), David Hostetter (Becky) and Carol Hostetter (Richard Reed); eight grandchildren, Julia Cole, Demian Hostetter, Sarah Cole, Dylan Hostetter, Jordan Reed, Elliott Hostetter, Lauren Reed and Annie Hostetter; two stepgrandchildren, Jeffrey Berger and Haley Geffen; four stepchildren Charles Sharp, Tom Sharp, Anne Lucas and Susan Miller; six great-grandchildren; and sisters Dorothy Lois Himes and Eleanor Herr. The family treasures his memory as "the nicest man in the world."

A memorial service will be held at the Roachdale Presbyterian Church in Roachdale on May 16 at 4 p.m. Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers should be made to either the Roachdale Presbyterian Church or the Roachdale Public Library.

Online condolences may be given at www.dayfuneralservices.com.