August 13, 1952 – January 1, 2022
David Sams passed from this life and into the presence of his Savior and Lord on January 1, 2022.
David graduated from Carlisle County High School in Bardwell, Kentucky in 1970. He then attended the United States Air Force Academy where he played basketball and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering in 1974. Following his graduation, he went on to serve his country in the Air Force as a fighter pilot and instructor for twenty-two years retiring in June 1996 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Over the course of his career he recorded 3,000 flying hours in the F-4, F-5, and F-16 aircrafts. Though his accomplishments are too many to list they include being awarded with the Meritorious Service Medal (3 OLC), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal (1 OLC), Air Force Achievement Medal (1 OLC), Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Combat Readiness Medal, and the Kuwait Liberation Medal. Lieutenant Colonel Sams was also part of the Joint Task Force Proven Force Staff operating out of Turkey in support of Operation DESERT STORM in 1991.
David is survived by his beloved wife, Nora Sams, of Las Vegas, Nevada, his daughters, Shannan Tujios (Aleco) and Lauren Schloss (Erik), his sisters, Pat O’Neill (Kevin) and Barbara Sams, his brother, Mike Sams (Angela), and four grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, H.C. and Lou Emma Sams.
A memorial service and burial will take place at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado on Friday, January 21, at 2:00 P.M. (MT) with full military honors.
