Col. Samuel E. Shrum U.S. Air Force, Retired

Col. (Ret.) Samuel E. Shrum died November 6, 2013. The only child of Elwood and Verrena (Lashley) Shrum, he was born April 5, 1930 in Ironton, Mo. Sam graduated from Ironton High School in 1948. In 1952 he graduated from the University of Missouri, married his High School sweetheart Wanda Maze, and was commissioned in the Air Force. He earned his wings in 1953 and became an F-86 Flight Leader in Maj. Chuck Yeager’s Squadron in Europe. During the Vietnam War in 1967 he flew the F-104 earning a Distinguished Flying Cross and seven Air Medals. Sam spent the remainder of his 28-year career in Air Training Command. He rose to become Deputy Wing Commander for Operations at Williams Air Force Base. At that time it was the largest flying training operation in the world and he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal. His final assignment was as Director of Training Systems Development in HQ Air Training Command. His office pioneered the development and deployment of advance simulators and computer based instruction in the 1970s. For his leadership Sam was awarded the Legion of Merit upon his retirement in 1980. As a second career he taught homebuilding courses to a generation of students at St. Phillip’s College and Alamo Community College. Sam’s approach to life was determination and discipline. His legacy is a lifetime of dedicated service to his country and community. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, sons Karl and Curtis Shrum, daughter Sue Rohlf, and grandchildren Christina and Clinton Rohlf along with many beloved cousins, nephews and nieces. Sam will be long remembered and dearly missed by family and friends. A reception will be held on Friday, November 22, 2013 at 1:00 P.M. at Colonial Funeral Home followed by a graveside service at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery with military honors. In lieu of flowers please make any donations to a charity of one’s choice.