Sammie Rosales Vasquez Sr.

Sammie “Sam” Rosales Vasquez Sr. was born April 29, 1934, in Tecumseh, Oklahoma, to Steven and Lucy Vasquez. He passed from this life December 23, 2024, at his home in Shawnee, Oklahoma, at the age of 90.

He attended Dale High School and graduated with the class of 1956. Sam had joined the Army at the age of 17, later upon discharge, he went back and finished high school. Sam held many positions during his life working with the police and sheriff’s departments. He was Maud’s Chief of Police, a Sheriff’s Deputy in Chandler, a Wewoka Police Officer, Hugh’s County Sheriff’s Deputy and Military Police at Tinker in Midwest City. He was appointed as Human Rights Commissioner for the State of Oklahoma for 6 years by Governor Brad Henry. He also served on Oklahoma City Policy Department Citizen’s Advisory Board. He was known to his family as a “jack of all trades.” He retired from Tinker, where he did various jobs over the years.

Sam married the love of his life, Betty Cortez Salazar, on January 8, 1996. They were married almost 28 years, until his passing. Together they enjoyed vacationing in Eureka Springs and Branson. His favorite show was Tony Orlando. Betty and Sam became personal friends with Tony, after seeing so many of his shows. Sam enjoyed watching OU and OSU football. His proudest achievements were his grandkids, great-grandkids, and great-great-grandkids.

He is preceded in death by his parents and son-in-law, Audie Eversole.

Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Betty; daughter, Juanita (Ed) Romo; daughter, Tina (Jim) O’Malley; daughter, Dena (Glen) Davis; daughter, Jessie Leader; daughter, Anna Eversole; son, Sammy (Virginia) Vasquez Jr.; son, Jimmy Vasquez; 6 step-children; sister, Rosemary Simmons; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great- grandchildren, along with many other relatives and dear friends.

A visitation for Sammie will be held Friday, December 27, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Resthaven Funeral Home, 44909 Highway 3, Shawnee, OK 74801. A graveside service will occur Saturday, December 28, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Johnson Cemetery, Shawnee, OK 74804.