Sam Fanning, 67, of Milford, passed away on Thursday, Sept. 15, 2016 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee. He was born on July 26, 1949 in Watseka, the son of Alvin and Mary Ann (Wyss) Fanning.

He married Terri Jones on April 25, 1975, in Peoria, she survives of Milford. Also surviving are two daughters, Nichole (Berto) Leone of Peoria and Jacqueline (Josh) Meister of Peoria; two grandchildren, Ava and Matthew Meister of Peoria; one sister, Margaret Emme of North Platte, Neb.; and one sister-in-law, Bonnie Fanning of Bremen, Ind. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Ronnie; and one brother-in-law, Darrell Emme.

Sam graduated as a Milford Bearcat in 1967. After graduating from ISU, he began his career in Milford Grade School as a teacher and a coach. He then taught for the remainder of his career at Milford High School.

Sam coached Milford Bearcat Football from 1979 to 1996 with many accomplishments, including seven playoff appearances, five conference championships and 100 career wins. In 1999, he was inducted into Illinois High School Football Coaches Hall of Fame.

He served as Milford High School Athletic Director from 1984 to 2006. In 2001, he was awarded Class "A" Outstanding Athletic Director of the Year. Sam ended his career in 2006 when he retired from teaching at Milford High School.

On Oct. 12, 2013, Milford High School honored Coach Fanning by unveiling the newly named Sam Fanning Stadium.

Cremation rites have been accorded. Visitation will be from noon Sunday, Sept. 25, until a 3 p.m. memorial service. Both the visitation and memorial service will be held at Sam Fanning Football Stadium with the Rev. Brent Zastrow and Rev. Neil Larimore to officiate.

Memorials may be made to Iroquois County Scholarship Foundation, Milford Ambulance, Milford Bearcat Boosters or The William E. Derry Foundation for Arts in Education.

As a tribute to Coach, guests at his services are encouraged to dress casual in Bearcat attire.

Arrangements by Knapp Funeral Home in Milford.

Please share a memory of Sam at knappfuneralhomes.com.