In Loving Memory
Raymond W. Sample

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be given to
The Wounded Warriors Fund.

VISITATION
Tuesday, August 15, 2017
10:00 A.M. - noon
Faith Community Church
Ida Grove, Iowa

SERVICE
Tuesday, August 15, 2017
1:00 P.M.
Faith Community Church
Ida Grove, Iowa

CLERGY
Rev. Mark Aurand

INURNMENT
Laurens Cemetery
Laurens, Iowa

MILITARY RITES
Iowa Military Funeral Honors
American Legion Post #61 of Ida Grove, Iowa

Raymond W. Sample, son of Charles R. and Mary G. Sample, was born February 27, 1945 at the Buena Vista County Hospital in Storm Lake, Iowa. He was raised in Albert City, where he received his education. Ray graduated from Albert City-Truesdale High School in 1962. Following high school, Ray farmed with his father and brother. He became known to his family and friends as Bill.

Bill attended Iowa State University from 1963 until 1964 and then entered the United States Army, serving from 1965 to 1967. He trained and served as a military policeman. After his honorable discharge in 1967, he remained in the Reserves until 1990. He was raised to the rank of Staff Sergeant. While serving in the Reserves, Bill was deployed overseas twice. After being discharged from the Reserves in 1990, he entered the Inactive Ready Reserves, being discharged in February 1995. Ray served his country for a total of 30 years and was very proud of his military commitment.

After returning home in 1967, Bill had numerous jobs in the area, but mainly worked at the Farmers Coop in Albert City, delivering refined fuels, fertilizer feed products and did work in the shop. Later he moved to Marathon.

In 1972, Bill married Sandra L. Brown of Marathon, Iowa. To this union two daughters were born; Jeannie K. and Terry A. Bill and Sandra later divorced but Bill continued to love his family. He moved his family to Ida Grove in the summer of 1974 and drove truck for Robert Benningdorf. Later he drove a lease truck for Crouse Cartage and Lou Rathjen until his retirement in 2007. Bill was proud of the fact that in 40 years of driving on the road he never received a speeding ticket or had an accident.

Bill was always welcomed around Ida Grove as he always had what he called his "treat box." He was always handing out candy bars or other treats. He loved flowers and shared them with others around Ida Grove every summer. At Christmas time he always had a pocket full of candy canes which he gave to everyone he met along with a greeting of "Merry Christmas."

Bill was a member of the Church of God, serving on the Board and singing in the choir and men's chorus for over 20 years until his health forced him to stop. He was a member of American Legions in Marathon and Ida Grove for over 40 years. He served as a volunteer fireman and first responder while living in Marathon. He loved the Iwa Jima float and saw its arrival at eight national conventions, many state conventions, as well as several local parades. Lou Rathjen and Bill had many good times hauling the float around the country. When Lou's wife, Gail was alive she would also go with them.

Bill enjoyed reading and in 2007 he started to enter items in the Ida County Fair. He was awarded many special awards, along with several purple and blue ribbons for his flower displays. He was a very good cook and baker and always had some baked item to enter at the fair.

Bill later developed arthritis and carpel tunnel which slowed him down and forced him to walk with a cane and to wear braces. He was always around and had his special stops to make, visiting friends to help brighten their day. He will be missed.

Bill passed away Thursday, August 10, 2017 at the Emmetsburg Care Center in Emmetsburg, Iowa, at the age of 72. He was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his daughters; grandchildren; great-granddaughter; one brother; and three sisters; nephews and nieces; grandnephews and grand nieces; as well as many friends.

Arrangements by Martin-Mattice Funeral Home