Samuel David Coquerille

                Samuel David Coquerille passed from this earthly life June 10, 2018 at 11:06 am in Sacramento, CA.  from a rare form of skin cancer. He was welcomed to his heavenly reward by his Grandparents, Edward and Martha Coquerille and Vernon and Marjorie Castetter, his uncle Daniel Clyde Coquerille, Steve and Sue Jones, nephew Russell Stephen Coquerille and cousin Alan Lowell Castetter.

Sam was born February 14, 1973 seven weeks early which made him an Aquarius. He was anxious to begin his life of joy, love and friendship to many. Sam graduated from Jennings County High School in 1991. He played youth and High School soccer and was a member of the choir and Touch of Class. As a member of the Boy Scouts of America he earned the distinguished Order of the Arrow Award. He worked four years at Maumee Scout Camp at the Archery Range.

Sam graduated from Indiana State University in 1998 with a Bachelor of Science in Theatre. He was gifted in the art of lighting and stage design. Upon graduation he was hired by ISU as the Technical Services Coordinator for the Hulman Center Facilities. He also oversaw the operation of Tilson Auditorium and the University Hall Theatre. In keeping with his passion for theatre, Sam consulted with the Park Theatre regarding equipment needs in early 2003. He also worked for Thomas James Production Company in Terre Haute as a Technical Consultant. Sam was a member of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, (IATSE).

In 2010, Sam became the Technical Director for the Harris Center at Folsom Lake College in Folsom, CA where he facilitated the opening of the Harris Center that to date has served one million patrons. During his time with the Harris Center Sam worked with the students of the Falcon’s Eye Theatre Dept.  as lighting designer for “The Who’s Tommy”, “The Crucible” and most recently the production of “Hair”. He received the Ellie Award for his work on The Crucible. He is described by his peers and technical staff as pouring his heart and soul into his lighting designs. He is further remembered as a mentor, friend, and amazing soul who brought joy into every room he stepped into.  He was an advocate for change, diversity and basic human rights for all. He supported and was a member of the ACLU and Human Rights Commission. He leaves behind countless friends & family, colleagues, and technical staff across the nation who worked with him during his career.

Sam is survived by his parents David and Jane Coquerille, brother Ben Coquerille all of the North Vernon and his Goddaughter Emma Crimm of Columbus, IN. A Celebration of Life will be held July 14, 2018 at 1pm at the Park Theatre. Visiting hours will be from 10:30 am until the time of the service. Burial will follow at the Vernon Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to Sawyer-Pickett Funeral & Cremation Service.  In lieu of flowers the family requests donations through the Jennings County Community Foundation to the Samuel D. Coquerille Memorial Scholarship Fund in honor of Sam. To be awarded to a local student attending Indiana State University’s Theatre program or another in-state funded college theatre program.

Thank you Sam, for giving us 45 years of love.

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