WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Troy Balderson (OH-12) introduced H.R.7768 on Thursday, a bill to dedicate and rename the post office in Philo, Ohio, as the “Samuel J. Mitchell Jr. Post Office” in honor of Sam Mitchell, who served as Philo’s postmaster for 52 years. His service began in 1967 after being appointed by President Lyndon B. Johnson.
Sam was born on August 10, 1936, in Duncan Falls, Ohio, and graduated from Philo High School. He served three years of active duty in the U.S. Air Force as a mechanic working on B-36 and B-52 heavy bombers. After serving his nation, Sam owned the Duncan Falls Gulf Station for several years before working for the Ohio Power Plant and then Universal CITI Credit Corporation in Columbus.
In his spare time, Sam was active within his community. He was a member of several organizations, such as the Duncan Falls-Philo Lions Club as well as the Muskingum County Dive Team. He also served for the Harrison Township Fire Department where he was the Chief for over 25 years. Sam passed away on October 18, 2023.
“To the Philo community, Sam meant the world,” said Balderson. “He dedicated his life to service as a postmaster, veteran, and a neighborhood volunteer, touching countless lives along the way. Honoring Sam’s life and legacy by naming the Philo post office after him is a small token of our appreciation and a symbol of our deep admiration for a life well lived.”
“Sam was a true pillar to the Village of Philo, being the postmaster for many, many years he gave everyone the hometown feeling at the post office,” said Troy Coen, Mayor of Philo, Ohio. “He helped and communicated so well to everyone who walked through the door. He made any and all tasks seem so simple. He was also a long time member of the Philo Civic League. He is and will always be missed!” “Sam Mitchell was an active member of the Duncan Falls-Philo Lions Club,” said Steve Tyo, 1st Vice President of the Duncan Falls-Philo Lions Club. “He was very helpful, especially on the scholarship committee and on highway cleanup. He always had a smile on his face and made the new members feel welcome. The Club honored him by naming him Veteran of the Month and by awarding him as the Melvin Jones Fellow, the highest award given to a Lion.”
“Sam served the residents of Philo for 52 years at the Post Office. You could always count on a smile and friendly service from Sam,” said Terry Moore, Chief of the Harrison Township Volunteer Fire Department. “He always went over and above in everything he did. Sam served as the chief and a firefighter for 25 years with the Harrison Township Volunteer Fire Department and served as a Lion’s member for over 30 years as well as in the Philo Civic League. Sam’s dedication to the residents of Philo will be sadly missed.”
Co-sponsors of the bill include Representatives Max Miller (OH-7), Greg Landsman (OH-1), Mike Carey (OH-15), Brad Wenstrup (OH-2), Bob Latta (OH-5), Jim Jordan (OH-4), and Joyce Beatty (OH-3).
The bill will now be referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability for consideration. If approved by the committee, the bill will go to the House floor for approval.
