Sam Willis Scarber Jr.

He graduated from O’Fallon Tech in 1967. Sam loved going home for his class reunions remaining close to his friends Kenneth Manning, Oscar Fennell, Al Brown and many more. He attended Junior College in Colorado, then transferred to the University of New Mexico. He played football in high school and college. A proud Lobo!

In 2018 he was inducted into the hall of honor at UNM. After college Sam was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 1971. He also played with the LA Rams, Edmonton Eskimos, Detroit Wheels, San Diego Chargers and the Oakland Raiders. He loved the game and his fellow players.

Acting became his next passion along with teaching physical fitness at the YMCA and later opening his own gym The Cozy Corner Fitness Center. He wanted to help people feel better and promote health. His screen credits were many. Cheers, Over the Top, Karate Kid, Against All Odds and so many more. If he thought or talked about someone that meant he needed to call.

Sam loved playing golf and fishing, this was his relaxation.

Sam is predeceased by his loving parents, Sam and Georgia Scarber. He is survived by his wife and longtime partner Linda. Daughter Brianna McLean, husband Patrick and three grandsons, Felix, Jasper and Rupert of Canada. Son Christopher Scarber of St Louis, granddaughter Christian. Beloved sister Rose Gray, husband Thomas of Tucson, Arizona. Niece Florence Anderson and nephew Tony Brinkley. Devoted brother Freddy Scarber of Vail, Arizona. Nephew’s Frederick and Matthew Scarber. Stepson Thaddeus Martel of Monterey Park, Ca and stepdaughter Aimee Martel of Nampa, Idaho, along with many step grandchildren. Thank you to brother Freddy for his numerous trips to visit and help out Sam.

A special thank you to Assisted Home Health and Roze Room Hospice for the care and comfort of Sam. A very special thank you to Lorraine Richards also known as Cuz for her love, care, support, guidance, cooking and watching numerous hours of “Gunsmoke” with Sam.

Thank you to Bob Moore, Pastor Wayne Hopkins, Fernando Ramirez, Don Goode, and Sam’s longtime friend

and pen pal from college Dennis Abbott, along with so many others for spending special time with Sam. Sam touched many hearts and will be loved and remembered forever.