Samuel J. Ganow

Samuel J. Ganow, 65, of Cochranville, went to be with the Lord as a result of an airplane accident on Thursday, February 1, 2024. He was the beloved husband of Kendelyn Cadman Ganow, with whom he shared 43 years of marriage. Sam was born in Mississippi, and raised in Grand Island, Nebraska. He was the son of the late Glen and Ruth Lillard Ganow, and was adopted by the late Ed and Norma Lillard after the passing of his parents.

Sam was a 1976 graduate of the Skyview Baptist Academy in Memphis, TN. He went on and furthered his education, receiving a Bachelor's Degree from LeTourneau University, where he found both faith and community.

Sam was involved in the Construction Equipment Rental business for over 30 years.

He loved to immerse himself in his faith, family, hobbies and volunteerism. He was a member and elder of Faith Bible Chapel in Cochranville, Pa. He was a dedicated volunteer and advocate for alpine ski races for over 20 years. He faithfully served on the Octorara School Board for 26 years, and his most recent role was as board president.

Sam loved flying. He received his pilot’s license in college, and flew recreationally for many years. He most recently got back into aviation with his friends at Rebuild Rescue, where he was a YouTube personality rebuilding and rehabbing airplanes. He also enjoyed testing his limits by running marathons with his Run Disney community. He was very proud of his Run Disney marathon accomplishment of being a “Perfect Dopey.”

He is survived, in addition to his wife, by three children, Steven G. Ganow and wife Abby of Nottingham, PA, Shawn J. Ganow and wife Nora of Landenberg, PA and Kelinda C. Heckert and husband Matthew of Parkesburg, and eight grandchildren. Also surviving are four sisters, Rosemary Pullen of Idaho, Suzanne Sanders of Nashville, TN, Amy Connor of Bartlett, TN and Laura Schafer of Colorado Springs, CO. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Glen Craig Ganow, Charles Ganow and Michael Lillard.

Memorial services will be held on Sunday afternoon, February 18, 2024 at 2:00 PM at the Octorara High School Auditorium, 226 Highland Road, Atglen, PA 19310. Interment will be private at the Glen Run Cemetery, Atglen, PA.

Click Here to view the memorial service that took place.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Wilde Funeral Home, Parkesburg, PA.  Online condolences can be posted at www.wildefuneralhome.com