Samuel Glenn Finkbiner, Jr. 73, went peacefully the early morning hours of 02/24/16 to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ.

Born 10/19/42 to Samuel Glenn Finkbiner, Sr. and Alice Louise Stamphly, he is survived by his wife of 36 years, Darlene Milbourn Finkbiner and their shared children: Lisa Jean Finkbiner Sullivan (Steve), Dennis Milbourn (Melissa), and Darla Creasey (Tom. He is also survived by twin sisters Amelia "Amy" Ladd (Charles or "Jim") and Anne Cooper as well as his treasured grandchildren Will (Alli) Milbourn, Michael Neibauer, Maren Milbourn, Cooper Sullivan, Hannah Creasey, and Josh Milbourn and great grandchildren Liam and Gunnar Milbourn. Special friends Rhett, Melissa, Bella, and Lucas Herrington as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins also mourn his passing but celebrate his "home-going". He is also missed by his animal "furbabies."

When brought home as an infant, Sam first resided with his parents and grandparents in the building that now houses the Greenbriar Cottage - one of the first homes in Marshall to have electricity and indoor plumbing - where he reports a couple of pigs were also bottle fed in the basement. The family eventually moved to the family farm and after high school, he joined the Navy and was stationed in Pensacola, Florida where he was assigned to the Crash Crew, Firefighter, and Rescue Squad. Upon returning home after an honorable discharge, he briefly resumed helping on the family farm during his father's untimely illness.

Sam never knew a stranger and he was known to play hard and work hard. After his father's death he then went to work for different businesses over the next two decades: Levine Brothers, CBS Records, Supermet, and Conrail Railroad. He retired from Bulkmatic after 22 years where he worked as a driver trainer, dispatcher, and terminal manager. After his retirement, he again worked for various employers - Forsythe Farms, Lincoln Trail Park and Bait Shop and the Marshall Advocate Newspaper. At the time of his passing, Sam was employed with Debco in Marshall, Illinois.

He made friends wherever he went, and was grateful for the many good friends he made along the way. In addition to being able to opine on almost any matter, Sam was an avid storyteller and could regale his friends for hours often with stories of his own adventures (or misadventures).

He loved fast motorcycles and rode them until his passing albeit more slowly at the end when his family threatened him with training wheels. He raced and hill-climbed and was the District 15 Motorcycle Hill Climb Champion in 1969 and 1970. His life experiences ultimately led him to a confrontation with his need for a life change - and he became a dedicated follower of Jesus Christ.

In current years, when not eating out with his Darlene, one of his other favorite past times was as an active member of the Spiritual Disciples, a Christian Motorcycle Ministry. He was also a member of the Illinois ABATE, Christian Motorcycle Association, Harley Owners Group, American Legion, and other joyously volunteered for the Elohim Great Banquet spiritual retreat weekends. His heart was filled with gratitude and his overriding passion became the need to tell people about Jesus. His salutation upon being asked how he was faring was always "I'm blessed and highly favored in the Lord!"

During his final days, he loved to exclaim after an inspirational time with his friends and family "We had revival!" whether it be with family and friends who streamed church services for him in his hospital room, the friends who sang to him over the phone, or the vast circle of biker friends who frequently encircled his hospital bed in prayer. He truly exemplified that portion of scripture that says "He was a burning and shining light" and we were "willing to rejoice for a season in his light."

Sam was a lifelong member of Zion United Methodist Church, and he would fondly say, "I have always loved that country church building, but it's not the building that is the church - it is the people, for they truly love Jesus."

The family would like to express their deepest appreciation for the abundant love and support from friends, Drs. Gowda, Guarav, and Gallardo, as well as the wonderful nurses and staff at the dialysis center and Union Hospital.

Services in Honor of his life will be 5:00 pm Sunday at the Zion United Methodist Church, rural Marshall. Visitation will be 1:00 pm until service time at the church on Sunday. In lieu of flowers contributions may be directly to the family in care of Pearce Funeral Home. Online condolences are being accepted at pearcefuneralservices.com.