Samuel Allison Means

Samuel Allison Means, aged 91, passed away on September 5, 2024. Born on May 3, 1933, in Mineral Wells, TX to Samuel Means Sr and Katherine Holcomb Means, Sam grew up with an older sister, Clara, and a younger brother, Rester. At the age of 19, he was drafted into the Army. While he was in bootcamp, the Korean War ended. Sam was stationed in Japan for 2 years, and rose to the rank of Sergeant quickly. His commanding officer, Colonel Henshaw, encouraged him to go to college rather than continuing in the military.

Sam returned to North Texas to do so, and while riding around with a friend, he saw a beautiful woman walking down a sidewalk. He asked his friend who she was, and his friend stated that was "that old Ribble girl." That Ribble girl, Leota Jeanette Means, turned out to be the love of his life -- and referring to her as "that old Ribble girl" became an inside joke between them throughout their long life together. They were married on June 17, 1960, in Weatherford TX, after Sam asked her father for her hand. Her father's response was "Okay, but I want you to know that if there's ever any trouble between you, I'll be on her side." Luckily, there never was.

Sam excelled in college, and completed a Bachelor's degree and graduate studies in Physics at the University of North Texas. He and Leota moved to Austin and raised their three sons there. He worked for many years for ARL at the UT Pickle Complex, but he had an entrepreneurial streak and left that job to start an HVAC business in 1979. In retirement, Sam and Leota moved to Wimberley to be near their youngest son, Darren.

Sam and Leota were devoted members of Fairview Church of Christ, where Sam could often be found leading a cappella singing or assisting with communion. They formed lasting relationships among their church family.

Sam was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Clara Holmes and her husband Charlie, his brothers-in-law Portis and Orville Ribble, and his nephew Barry Holmes. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Leota Jeanette Means; his brother Rester Means and his wife Roselyn of Arlington, TX; his sons and daughters-in-law Stuart Means and wife Kathy of Tyler, TX, Steve Means and wife Tammy of Owings, MD, and Darren Means and wife Cara of Wimberley, TX; and his grandchildren Nicolas, Samantha, Dustin, Priscilla, Phillip, Rebecca, Dane and Shaye. Sam's twinkling blue eyes, optimism and Dad jokes will be remembered by his family always.

The funeral services are being handled by Cook Walden Forest Oaks in Austin, TX. Viewing will be at 10am on Thursday, September 12 at the funeral home, with the memorial service there at 11am. A graveside service will be held at East Greenwood Cemetery in Weatherford, TX at 2pm on Friday, September 13. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations in Sam's name to Blue Bonnet Palliative Care in Wimberley. Donations can be made online at https://bluebonnetpc.com/donate or by mail at:

Blue Bonnet Palliative Care

12111 Ranch Road 12, Suite 114

Wimberley, TX 78676