• Samuel W. Gervase, age 87, of Coal City, IL passed away on Monday, October 12, 2026 at StoryPoint Memory Care in Romeoville.

He was born on September 3, 1939 in South Wilmington, IL to Sam L. and Winifred (Ulbrich) Gervase. Sam married Donna Simons on New Year’s Eve, December 31, 1959. Together they raised their two daughters. He was an electrician with Amoco Chemical, retiring after 34 years.

Sam’s life revolved around his family. He could be seen riding his bicycle through town from end to end. He was a fan of everything “Coaler”, even keeping the score book for Coal City High School Basketball for 30 years. Sam spent many years raising, breeding and training horses. A lover of the outdoors, Sam enjoyed many days playing golf with friends. His favorite baseball team was the Chicago Cubs.

He is survived by his wife of 66 and a half years, Donna Gervase; two daughters, Becky (the late Myles) Johnson and Betsy (the late Tommy) Cowherd; two sisters, Wanda (Vic) Stazak and Jane (Steve) Provance; two grandchildren, Lane (Ilene) Cowherd and Kyle Cowherd; two step-grandchildren, Billy (Amanda) Johnson and Stacy (Scott) Carlson; six great-grandchildren; four great great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 10:00 am until the time of the funeral service at 12:00 noon on Saturday, October 17, 2026 at the Ferrari Funeral Chapel, 1044 Ferrari Drive, Coal City, IL 60416. Pastor Bradley Watkins will officiate. Burial will follow at Braceville Gardner Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be: Lane Cowherd, Kyle Cowherd, Quentin Marshall, Mike Provance, Rich Lofgren, and David Fiala

Memorials in Sam’s name may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guestbook at www.ferrarifuneral.com

Ferrari Funeral Services are entrusted with arrangements.