Samuel Thomas Windsor

Samuel Thomas Windsor unexpectedly answered the call to join his Lord and Savior on September 9, 2023, at the age of 86. He was preceded in death by his parents, George Lee and Anna (Kroeker) Windsor, and siblings Lowell, Joyce Thrasher and Carl. He is survived by his wife Sue Ellen, two children Lisa Wertz and husband Jason, and Warren and his wife Lori, and siblings Ruby Harrington, Mary Ann Bush and Les and wife Bobbi, and a multitude of nieces and nephews.

Born in Turpin, OK on October 10, 1936, Sam was the third of seven children. Growing up on the farm, he learned early the value of church, family and hard work, as well as how to patch a ceiling before his parents got home, after a boyhood prank-- or put a school bus bully in his place.

Sam moved to Oklahoma City after graduating from high school, and began attending First United Methodist Church, where he eventually met Sue Ellen. They married July 19, 1963, and together they shared an incredible journey filled with love, laughter and cherished memories. Sam and Sue celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in July, 2023.

They raised two children, Lisa and Warren, and instilled in them the same core values of hard work, honesty and dedication. He helped them start a vegetable garden in the backyard, taught them to ride a bike and how to hunt for crawdads in the drainage culvert without getting their pants wet. He was a favorite at family get-togethers.

The work transfer to Corpus Christi, TX in 1976, was hard on everyone, but Sam saw the silver lining: where there is water, there are fish! He bought a small boat and many weekends were spent on the water with the kids, teaching them to cast, bait hooks and wait patiently. Sometimes they even caught fish, as well as the occasional seagull.

Sam worked in oil refining as an instrument technician for 31 years before retiring on June 4, 1999, cherishing the life-long friendships he made. His retired life was filled with service to others. He was active in United Methodist Men at St John's United Methodist Church, and in time joined the choir, adding his voice to fill the sanctuary with song. He joined the Civil Air Patrol and also the Coast Guard Auxiliary. He thoroughly enjoyed the flight missions, despite his motion sickness. He volunteered at the local Loaves and Fishes and mentored children in an after-school program. Sam was always quick to help others, and never knew a stranger.

Sam will be dearly missed by his family, friends and all those whose lives he touched. He had a quick, dry wit and a ready smile, and played a mean game of Tri-ominos. He leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, and dedication to his family and his community. He will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

We will celebrate Sam's life at St John's United Methodist Church, 5300 S Alameda Street, Corpus Christi, TX 78412 on September 23, 2023 at 1:00 pm. There will be a reception following the service in the Community Life Building.

Flowers may be ordered from Always in Bloom Florist 361-991-5666.

Memorial contributions may be made to St John’s United Methodist Church.