Sam Joined "his loving wife always", Betsy in Heaven on Friday, March 29, 2024. Since Bet's passing this past July, Sam has lived and been cared for by the wonderful and loving caregivers at Bella Care, to whom his family is eternally grateful. Sam was born in Clovis, California to Margarito and Esther. He is one of 12 children and is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Alex, Jess, Lupe, and Mark. He is survived by his sister Tillie, and brothers Eddie, Joe, Paul, Tommy, Frank, and Charlie plus numerous nieces, nephews, fellow Kiwanians, 503rd infantry brothers, and many friends.
Sam grew up in Clovis attending Jefferson and Clovis Union High School. His strong work ethic began at an early age working in the fields and as a bag boy at Bad Boy Markets during his high school years. Drafted October 18, 1961 Sam served his country as a paratrooper for the 503rd infantry stationed in Okinawa, Japan. The love story of Sam and Betsy began at Clovis High with both of them graduating in 1958. The high school sweethearts married in 1961 and welcomed their first child, Rick, in 1962 while Sam was still serving overseas. Upon his return, the happy family of three bought their first home in Tarpey Village, where they resided throughout their 61 years of marriage.
Sam worked as an insurance salesman for State Farm before starting his own business for Farmers Insurance. In 1967 they welcomed their second child, Michelle. They thought their family was complete until their "surprise" in 1970 when Christine was born, making them proud parents of three and a happy family of five. During these years Sam was a part of the Sandoval Family's Renewal Auto Body Shop in Clovis. Additionally, he owned and operated Clovis Car Wash, opened Sandoval and Mercado Auto Body, flipped houses before it was cool, had rental properties, owned Aatak Towing all the while continuing to sell insurance. In the 80's he partnered with Betsy when she became an agent.
While Sam was always busy with work he also made time to coach Rick's little league baseball teams, attend his high school football and baseball games, and be there for the girls at their activities; Chris at her soccer, cross-country, and track meets and Michelle at her horse shows where he'd drive up in "Ol' Blue" with BBQ in back making sure everyone was fed. He was a charter member of the Clovis Kiwanis Club in 1975 where he took great pride in being able to give back to the Clovis community and even initiated the "Bike Giveaway Program" for CUSD elementary schools. He was a member of the Clovis Rodeo Association and an entertaining Clovis Rodeo Parade announcer for numerous years.
During his retirement years, most mornings you could find Sam at "the waffle shop" where he enjoyed the company of many friends, b.s.-ing away and sharing laughs. Sam never met a stranger; he was funny, witty, kind and generous to all, loved his family immensely, and left a legacy for us to all strive to live up to.
Sam leaves behind his children; Rick Sandoval and his wife Trisha, Michelle and her husband Kirby Fey, Christine and her husband Mike Gardner as well as Sam's six grandchildren Cortney Ogden (Preston), Katie-Lynn Cassinerio (Dominic), Collin Fey, Tyler Gardner, Trevor Gardner and Trent Gardner who all affectionately called him Papa. He also leaves behind two great grandchildren Hudson Fey and Caylee Ogden.
A Visitation for Sam will be held Tuesday, April 16, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Boice Funeral Home, 308 Pollasky Avenue, Clovis, California 93612.
A Chapel Service will occur Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at Boice Funeral Home.
Immediately following the Chapel Service, an Interment for Sam will follow at Clovis Cemetery, 305 North Villa Avenue, Clovis, California 93612.
Serving as pallbearers are Collin Fey, Tyler Gardner, Trevor Gardner, Trent Gardner, Preston Ogden and Dominic Cassinerio.
In lieu of flowers, The family requests donations in Sam's memory be made to Clovis Kiwanis Club - Attn: Bruce, P.O Box 705, Clovis, California 93613 or to a charity of your choice.
