Sam S. Chattin
September 20, 1941
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June 5, 2017
Sam S. Chattin, 75, passed away on Monday, June 5, 2017 in Scottsburg, Indiana. Sam lived with a kind and brave heart. He loved, taught, coached, mentored and was a champion for others in a way that inspired hope, learning and courage. He was proud of his family and made a lasting mark in our community and far beyond. He was born in Mobile, Alabama on Sept. 20, 1941 to Dr. Herbert and Edna (McCallister) Chattin. He grew up in Vincennes, Indiana, graduating in 1959 from Lincoln High School, where he was vice president of the Senior Class, senior team captain of the football team and a member of the track and basketball teams. Chattin earned a master’s degree in Kinesiology from Indiana University in 1965 and bachelor’s degree in Zoology in 1963 from DePauw University, where he was a three-year letterman in both track and football, earning MVP his junior year and team co-captain as a senior. He was inducted into the DePauw University Athletic Hall of Fame in 1998. He taught science at William H. English Middle School in Scottsburg from 1974 to 2011 and as biology teacher at Scottsburg High School from 1969 to 1974. Prior to that he was a biology teacher at Vincennes Lincoln High School, 1965 to 1969, and a teaching assistant at DePauw University from 1963 to 1965.
In addition to teaching, Chattin served as head coach for the Scottsburg High School football program, which he initiated in 1969, stepping down after compiling a 24-14 record in four seasons. Prior to that he was assistant football coach at Lincoln High School for four years and served as freshman football coach at DePauw University for two years.
Under Chattin’s supervision, Scottsburg Middle School students received international recognition for personally managing the largest wildlife rehabilitation facility in Indiana. The project, Animals Rehabilitating Kids (ARK), enabled students to develop an ethical and caring behavior for wildlife, the environment, and other persons. ARK was the only “non-adult” organization in the U.S. that was granted international, national, and state licenses to rehabilitate endangered species of wildlife. The ARK was recognized as the only facility of its kind in the world solely operated by students. Chattin’s students presented more than 600 workshops, seminars, and in-service programs in 47 states and five foreign countries. The students were also featured on nine television programs seen by an estimated 31 million people. One of his students, Heather Haley, was awarded the nation’s highest award for Humanitarian Service, The Jefferson Award, the only “non-adult to win the award.
In 1991 Chattin received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science Teaching; was appointed to membership in the National Academy of Science, served on the National Science Teachers Board of Directors, and was one of four teachers nationally featured in the Public Broadcasting System’s “Portrait of a Teacher” documentary.
Other awards include 1995 National Conservation Medal from the Daughters of the American Revolution, 1991 National Middle School Exemplary Science Award from the National Science Teachers Association, 1991 Kohl Foundation International Teaching Award, and the 1984 National Humane Teacher of the Year by the National Association for the Advancement of Humane Education. In 2003 he received a Vincennes Lincoln High School Distinguished Alumnus Award. In 1987 he was an invited delegate to the Bi-National Conference on Science Education, UNESCO International Congress on Environmental Education in Moscow, and selected to do research at an Israeli Kibbutz.
Chattin had served as a Bishop in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Chattin is survived by his wife, Lynn (Nuckols) Chattin of Scottsburg; daughter Mandi and husband Josh Wade of Scottsburg; sons Marc Chattin of Scottsburg and Teale Robey Chattin and wife Ronda of Seattle, Washington, grandchildren Ellyanna Chattin and Adalee and Garrick Wade; and brothers Dale (Debby) Chattin of Greenwood and Duane Chattin of Vincennes.
Chattin was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Herbert and Edna Chattin, and a sister, Sue (Chattin) Lane. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to defray the family’s extensive medical care expenses resulting from Sam’s Alzheimer’s care. Donations may be sent to the family c/o Collins Funeral Home, 465 W. McClain Avenue, Scottsburg, IN 47170. Online condolences:www.collinsfuneralhome.net.
From: kevin mann
R.I.P. coach Chattin You will Be sadly missed by Many
From: Dwight L Gross
I will always remember the love you and your family shared to a lonely wayward teenager. You taught me what it was to be a man. I will always remember the summer we cleared the trees on your property prior to the house being built. Especially the one time we were cutting down a tree and it didn't fall the way we thought. LOL. Talking about skeedaddling. The Good Lord sure was there with us. SLY.
From: BELINDA LEE RATHERT
My sincere condolences to the entire Chattin family! Sam was an amazing person and I met him in 1980 when we bought property down the road from his home. Later I used to substitute teach for Sam and we had a joke between us that he was Sam and I was Sam I am! I was so grateful that my children were able to have him for a teacher and a friend and a mentor. I saw countless children go through his classes, who you thought would never make it but Sam had a way of turning them around and showing them respect for animals and respect for themselves. The world needs more Sam Chattins to touch all the wives as he did in his lifetime. What an amazing journey Sam gave countless children and animals. Sam you will be greatly missed. Signing off.... Sam I am!
From: Tina (Wilson) Napier
Mr. Chattin was my favorite teacher. I got my picture on the front of the Indianapolis Star News Paper while I was in his class. He gave me an appreciation of wild life as well as an understanding of snakes. I will never forget him. May he rest in peace.
From: Dwight L Gross
I will always remember the love you and your family shared to a lonely wayward teenager. You taught me what it was to be a man. I will always remember the summer we cleared the trees on your property prior to the house being built. Especially the one time we were cutting down a tree and it didn't fall the way we thought. LOL. Talking about skeedaddling. The Good Lord sure was there with us. SLY.
From: Marion (Butch) Eveland
Coach your were my HERO growing up and playing football for you. Your leadership at practice and game night was second to none. If you asked us to run through a brick wall, each and everyone of would have tried. I thank you for recommendation letters for college football programs that you sent and the kind words you wrote about my football skills. My prayers go out to your family. Rest in peace, please say hi to Coach Mills for me.
From: Betty Wade
My prayers go out to the whole Family for your terrible loss....He was a great man & lived a very well respected life, he left an impression on many people in this community! This Family is very dear to my heart and I will keep each and everyone of you in my thoughts & prayers during this very difficult time! Love you all......
From: Vet Lemons
Sorryr for your loss. Prayers to you snd your family.
From: William T Murray
Sam many fond memories from our time at Lincoln high school in Vincennes. He leaves life too soon, but with a lasting legacy. Condolences to his family; may he rest in peace.
From: Karen West
Mandi, you and your family are in our prayers.
From: Keith Pate
One of the greatest men I was ever able to meet early on in my childhood. I truly believe he was the biggest inspiration in my love of animals.
From: Dennis McCallister
Our thoughts and prayers are with Sam and his family. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
From: Barbara Sparenberg
Classmate our deepest sympathy
From: Ann Wyman Jones
Although I knew the legend and his Vincennes family better than the man, I feel for all those who will be affected by his passing. Please accept my sympathy.
From: Doug Catt
Sam was one of the finest men I have known, and a great coach and friend. It was because of the way he drove and encouraged me that I was able to get. Football scholarship and a great education. I still hear in my mind him yelling at me "FEET,Douglas Catt, FEET!". And "you don't stop until the whistle blows".I know it was because of his recommendations to the college coaches that I got the offers that I did. My thoughts and prayers are with Dude, Dale and the whole Chattin family.
From: Maria Potts
My Dad passed away 2 months ago. I hope they are up in Heaven telling stories. My deepest sympathy to his family.
From: Mike and Annette Murphy
We were fortunate to be neighbors to Sam and Lynn when they first moved to Scottsburg. What fun times we did have. Our children loved them both and were fortunate to have Sam when they were in middle school. They loved and respected him as a teacher and learned much from him. We as a family, have many fond memories of Sam and Lynn and their family. We are saddened to hear this, but want you, his family, to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers at this time. In Christian love with sympathy, Mike and Annette Murphy
From: Shana
Mr. Chattin was an enormous influence on me and many others – and taught us so much. I have many wonderful memories. In class I remember drum circles; staring contests (when we had to hold eye contact with another student for as long as possible without freaking out); and volunteering to put my hands in the tank of a newly rescued juvenile snake while blindfolded. If you don't jerk your hand away the damage from the bite of a small snake is so minimal you probably won't notice. This taught me that sometimes your own reaction to an attack matters more than the attack itself. If that's not a relevant lesson for us all today I don't know what is... As one of the ARK students I remember taking one hawk on "walks" by letting him fly out on a long lead for exercise in preparation for his release, and taking care of my primary bird, a barred owl named Wawasita who was a permanent resident that couldn't be released. She disliked everyone including me, and nipped me many times. That taught me a lot of patience. I also remember caring for and playing with the rats we kept for food for the animals, and how difficult it was to feed them (including the tiny baby rats) to the snakes, but which Mr. Chattin made each of us do, I think to share the emotional burden. The snake I was responsible for was a large black rat snake named "Tries to go back" because he had developed a huge knot on his nose from lifting his very heavy tank lid and escaping into the science lab. He came home with me during school vacations, and many family members and friends got to know him. Surprisingly, in many of my ARK memories Mr. Chattin isn’t present, mostly because he trained us and trusted us enough to care for the animals ourselves while he handled the less glamorous parts of the program, like scheduling events, dealing with opposition to the program, ordering food and supplies, responding to reports of stranded wildlife, raising funds for the program, etc. That taught us all a kind of independence that seems astounding to me now, looking back. My heart is sad for his family, and I hope many of his former students also make donations to offset the cost of his care. I also hope one day that we live in a society where caring for aging loved ones doesn't lead to financial hardship. In a more just society teachers like him would retire as rich men, but we seldom value people for what they add to our world. Sam Chattin added a lot, and I hope that’s some comfort to those he leaves behind.
From: Gene Bathe
Rest in Peace coach Chattin. You were one of the best teachers I ever had and one of the finest people I've ever known. May Peace be with all who love and mourn you.
From: Kearstan Sanders
So so sad to hear this. I loved him as my science teacher. He had such an amazing approach to teaching that could never be duplicated. I also had the pleasure of reconnecting as his cook at the nursing home. Even with all he was struggling with he always had a smile on his face and a kind word for everyone who encountered him. R.i.p. Mr chattin your legacy won't be forgotten.
From: Lori Davis
Words cannot even express the sadness with loosing Mr. C. He was such and inspiration to so many kids. My life forever changed the day I walked into his classroom. I am so grateful I had the opportunity to know him and his wonderful family. Mandi, Marc, Robey, and Lynn my heart is with you during this time. He will forever live in our hearts.
From: Vincennes University Alumni and Foundation Staff
Duane and family, Our hearts go out to you during this sad and difficult time. May you find peace in your memories and in the kind words and deeds of those who care. Vincennes University Alumni and Foundation Staff
From: Shari & Bill Mac James
Sam, was a special friend, colleague and mentor. We will truly miss him!
From: Evette Murphy
Dear Lynn and family. I'm so sad for your loss. I'm so happy for so many great memories of a great man who contributed so much and left a legacy to be proud of. I have many great memories of the teacher I had in middle school, and the neighbor I had on Lucas Street. May comfort be with you in this time of transition. With love, Evette
From: Margaret Comer
Mr. Chattin was an amazing teacher. He was my health teacher and when we were hosting three middle school Japanese students, he gave them a personalized special tour of his wild animal classroom and let them hold some critters. What an amazing educator!!! Thinking of Mrs. Chattin, too.. She was my biggest mentor and support when I was in high school--the absolute loveliest person inside and out and gave me wonderful opportunities to sing and play music. -- quieter than Mr. Chattin, but huge in her kindness and commitment to students. It meant so much to me --a shy person and now I am a musician. In a town that values sports in school over music, I am grateful to her. I will always LOVE her. Sending her my heart felt condolences.
From: Paula Pate-Colwell
One of the most amazing people I've ever known. Such a beautiful soul.
From: john whiteley
You were one of a few teachers that I have thought of many times over the years, always remember you saying there is nothing you can't do. Rest in peace coach!
From: Wanda
My thoughts are with the chattin family as they say goodbye to one of the greatest men i ever knew. He was such an inspiration and taught me so much. Hos class will forever be my all time favorite. I have seen it posted already but anytime i see a large bird or a snake i think of him. God bless Sam you will be missed but never forgotten.
From: Donna
You will be greatly missed. Thoughts and prayers with the family as they deal with the loss of such a great man.
From: Gary and Betty Coomer
R.I.P Sam. Gary and I met you and your wife at Lakepointe Village when Gary had his stroke. We needed a place to sit for lunch and you offered to let us sit with you. So glad to have met you both.
From: Shawe Class of 1998
We all send our love to Mrs Chattin (our loved Junior high science teacher) to Mandi, and to our classmate and friend, Marc. We love you and are thinking of you. 💗
From: Kelly
Mr. C - my favorite teacher. I was a student and then pilot of his. He made school fun. Because of him snakes are allowed to live on my property. I grew up w/ parents that thought all snakes must die. I am so grateful to this man for making at least 2 years of school awesome for me. I was heartbroken to hear of his passing. I was fortunate enough to sit and visit with him 4 years ago. I am so happy for that. Sending love to his family that he bragged about the whole time we visited.
From: Hailey lowry
I'm sure gonna miss everything about Mr chattin he was always my favorite Teacher and I will never forget him fly high mr chattin it's sure hard without u here
From: Jill Williams
Sam was one of the best Lincoln High School teachers I ever had. Very intelligent, and he loved to laugh. I always looked forward to Biology class.
From: Ruth (McCallister) Corn
Farewell dear cousin. We will miss your charm and humor. You left a lasting legacy of childhood memories for me to cherish. You were the master of ceremonies in all our group games when each of us took turns standing in front of the group, telling jokes to see who could be the funniest. You always won...good training for your future profession. Rest In Peace and my love to your family as you honor him today. God be with you.
From: Leanne Deaton
I miss you Mr. C. You was the best teacher ever.
From: Robert (bob)
I had Mr Chattin in my 7th grade science class. That was my favorite time. He always made the class so fun & interesting. Never a dull moment. My heart goes out to his family. They will always be in my thoughts and prayers.
From: Dennis Thomas
Played football for Coach at Scottsburg for just a couple of months. He was my Science teacher when they taught at the Armory. We were not close but as an adult every time I met Sam he made me believe we were the best of friends. It is men like him which sets standards for men like myself. Strong family man, hard worker, friend to all. May God grant you peace as you have entered into His rest.
In Memoriam
