Samuel Wesley Virgo

VIRGO, Samuel Wesley
Kalamazoo, MI Passed away Sunday, October 9, at the Springs resident care facility in Kalamazoo. A fifth generation descendent of Texas Township settlers, Sam was born March 7, 1923 in La Porte, Indiana. Son of Seth S. and Ruth S. Virgo, his father was a highway engineer and the family moved often until Sam begin first grade in Plymouth, Michigan. He graduated from Plymouth High School in 1941 where he played football. He entered Western Michigan University that fall and worked at the Willow Run bomber plant during the summers. He enlisted in the U. S. Navy in January 1943. For 18 months of that time he served on PT boats in the South Pacific based in New Guinea during World War II. Sam was discharged November 1945. He married Betty Jane Schultz on August 8, 1945 at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, in Kalamazoo. He joined the church in 1946 and later served as a vestryman. He graduated from WMU in 1950 and immediately went to work for the First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Kalamazoo, and retired as vice president after 37 years. He volunteered for Meals-on-Wheels, was active in Kiwanis and in the American Legion where he served as finance officer for several years. Sam was a 32nd degree Mason. He received many accolades and was especially honored by the Scottish Rite with their Meritorious Service Award and with the York Rite Sovereign College Service Award. Among his other Masonic affiliations were the Kalamazoo Fidelity Lodge #513, Scottish Rite College of Grand Rapids, Royal Order of Scotland, Saladin Temple, Jesters, Knights Templar Commandery #8, Royal Arch Masons Chapter #13, Royal & Select Masons Kalamazoo Council #63, York Rite College #10, Michigan Priory #22 KYCH, Red Cross of Constantine, Marcellus Council #320 and the Kalamazoo & Battle Creek Shrine Clubs. He was preceded in death by his wife Betty Jane Schultz Virgo, who passed away November 28, 2005. Sam was also preceded in death by his brother Richard S. Virgo. Sam is survived by six children and spouses Victoria Ann Paul Okuniewski, of Kalamazoo; William Shauna Virgo, Portage; Catherine Marshall, Madison, WI, Mark Rona Virgo, of Oak Harbor, WA; Seth Marcie Virgo, of Kalamazoo; Thomas Virgo, of San Francisco, CA. ; 13 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Rosemary Virgo; and 2 nieces, Gracia Perry Ratliff and Julie Virgo. A memorial service will be held 11:00 Saturday morning, October 15, 2011, at Saint Luke's Episcopal Church, 247 West Lovell St. with The Rev. Dr. Randall R. Warren, officiating. Sam's family will receive guests beginning at 10:00 prior to the service. Private inurnment in Virgo Cemetery. Memorials should be directed to WMU Foundation - Haworth College of Business or to Shriner's Hospital for Children. Please visit www.langelands.com read Sam's complete obituary, sign Sam's online guest book or leave a condolence to his family.