Samuel J. Badger, 83, of 319 Gardner Center Road, passed away the morning of Jan. 29, 2010, in his home.Born Apr. 23, 1926, in New Castle, he was the son of Henry M. and Nellie Thompson Badger.He married Shirley Dean on Aug. 1, 1947. She preceded him in death Apr. 22, 1993.Sam attended Shenango Area Schools and served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II in the South Pacific from May 1, 1944 until 1946.He was the maintenance superintendent for the New Castle News until his retirement in 1991. He started his own business, Badger Nursery, in 1950, which later became Country Flower Barn, located in New Castle.Sam enjoyed woodworking, gardening and masonry work, but especially enjoyed time with his family.He was a member of Independent Methodist Church.Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Sharon L. and Michael Buly of New Castle; a son and daughter-in-law, Scott D. and Marsha Badger of New Castle; four grandchildren, Erica and Craig Sickafuse, Korie and Buth Enscoe, Allison and Darren Myer, and Samuel C. Badger; and five great grandchildren, Abigail Sickafuse, Cole Sickafuse, Cameron Sickafuse, Adam Enscoe and Grace Enscoe.In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by eight sisters, Viola Mae Badger, Esther Ellen Nesbit, Lena Verna MacNicholas, Hazel Alice Badger, Ruth Isabel Fleeger, Sara Louise Shaffer, Lois Maxine Dean, and Jean Elizabeth Murawski; and two brothers, Clyde D. Badger and Joseph James Badger.Visitation is 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 31, 2010, at the R. Cunningham Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 2429 Wilmington Road.A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 1, 2010, at the funeral home. The Rev. Frederick H. Gilbert will officiate.Burial will be in Castle View Gardens.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Independent Methodist Church, P.O. Box 7805, New Castle 16107.Online condolences may be posted below.