LIVE LIKE SAMUEL

As guests enter Oak Terrace Resort from Route 51 and walk through the doors, many will notice the numerous signs and pictures displayed, memorializing a young man named Samuel Ryan Hackler. Samuel is the son of Jo Anne Beyers, daughter of owners Mike and Linda Beyers. Samuel has four siblings, Emily Beyers Binderup (Steve), Madolyn Hackler, Drew Hackler, and Delaney Hackler. As well as a beautiful baby niece who is named in his memory, Violet Samuel Binderup. Sam as we all called him was a vibrant, active, hilarious, smart, and hardworking 13 year old boy. He was active in numerous activities including basketball, baseball, soccer, football, golfing, and track. He also loved the outdoors, oftentimes going fishing and hunting with his uncles. He was truly up for anything, whether that meant helping Grandpa Mike with chores around the resort, mowing,  or working at Beyers Construction, you name it and he would do it. Amongst all the hard work, he even made time to take his Meemaw Linda on date nights, to Mulligan's of course (she paid). Samuel was wise beyond his years, a true blue collared young man who exuded love and passion, bringing joy to all, friends and strangers alike.

On March 31, 2023, Samuel was at track practice when he suddenly collapsed and later passed away. Having no health issues or signs of illness, his passing was nothing short of a total shock, and has left not only his family and friends, but entire community utterly devastated.

Since Samuel’s passing, his family has established several events to honor him. To commend Samuel’s deep passion for golf, Oak Terrace holds the annual "Swing Like Samuel Golf Outing" which kicks off Oak Terrace’s golf season every April. Moreover, to pay respect to Samuel’s track aspirations, his family has adopted the "13 Miles to Heaven" relay race which takes place every June at the Pana High School Track. Lastly, the "Live Like Samuel Junior Classic" is a fundraising tournament for ages 5-18 in which the proceeds go towards the Sacred Heart School Golf Team.  Money collected from these events through entries, meals, and sponsors go toward the Live Like Samuel Foundation. As of January 21, 2025, Mayo Clinic has begun working on re-analyzing Samuel’s case. This research-based effort and this genome sequencing is done under philanthropic support at no charge. Starting in 2025, Live Like Samuel Foundation plans to start donating to this annually to help people become aware of their dedicated research.  Other contributions from LLS are: Gloves for Pana High School golf team, water bottles for the Sacred Heart School Golf Team, Sacred Heart School game day polos for upcoming years, "S" nightlights for Sam's 8th grade graduating class, candy bouquets for recent boys’ 8th grade night, church bulletin ad, and PHS Gymnasium Flag.  Due to everyone’s generosity, LLS has been able to pay all of its own expenses for all annual events. LLS is currently working on donating to several funerals of young children that have passed in the surrounding area.

Samuel will always be remembered by his mom, siblings, grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, extended family, and friends every day. He was truly one of a kind, and we will continue to honor him daily, always remembering to Live Like Samuel.

If you would like to participate or donate to any of these events please join the "Live Like Samuel" Facebook page for upcoming events.

Thank you for taking the time to read the "Live Like Samuel" page.