ELKHART -- Simon E. "Sam" Mullins of Elkhart passed away late in the evening Saturday (Oct. 2, 2010) at Elkhart General Hospital after an extended illness. He was 77.

He was born Nov. 23, 1932 in Greenbriar County, W.Va., to the late Edward and Susie Mullins.

Surviving is his significant other, Rose Howard, and a daughter Pam (Corky) Cochrane, both of Elkhart. Also surviving are nieces Stacey Beach and Connie Rutan, as well as nephews Joseph, Alfred and Jeffery Fox. He was preceded in death by his wife, Wanda, and a sister, Lola Fox.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the 11 a.m. funeral at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin Street, Elkhart, IN 46514, on Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2010. Cremation will follow services with burial at Prairie Street Cemetery in Elkhart occurring at a later date.

Simon was a lifelong over-the-road and local delivery truck driver, retiring in 2000. He was a U.S. Army veteran serving in Korea, where he was awarded a Purple Heart.

Memorials may be given to United Cancer Services of Elkhart County.