Samuel Ralph Mink, 65, of South Whitley, passed away suddenly at 6:55 p.m. on Thursday, March 12 at his home.

Born on January 2, 1961, in Columbia City, Indiana, he was a son of Lawrence Daniel (Dan) and Betty May (Wolfe) Mink.  Raised in the Whitley County area, he attended South Whitley Elementary School and graduated from Whitko High School in 1979.  He continued his education at the University of North Western Ohio, and obtained his Diesel Technology degree.

Samuel recently retired from Palmer Trucks as a diesel technician in February of 2026.

Sam enjoyed hunting, fishing and being in his woods.  He loved his daughters, Sammie and Sophie and would talk about them everywhere he went.

Surviving are his daughters, Samantha Ann Mink of Tonopah, Nevada and Sophie Ryan Martinez of Pahrump, Nevada; his mother, Betty May Mink of South Whitley; sisters, Becki (Mike) Vanderford and Christine Mink-Palmer both of South Whitley, and Vicki Watkins of Warsaw, Indiana.

He was preceded in death by his father Lawrence Daniel Mink.

As per Sam's wishes, there will be no services.

Arrangements are by Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.