Anselmo Alfred Samson

Anselmo Alfred (Sam) Samson passed away on Saturday Nov. 1, 2025, at home in Escondido, CA, with family at his side. He was 81 years of age.

He is survived by his wife Linda; sons Christopher Samson (Sharon) & Patrick Samson; daughter Jennifer Holmes; grandchildren Kayla Samson (Chris), Kai Samson (Maria), Dylan Holmes-Hvezda, Bryson Gauthe (Jana) & Charnee Gauthe (Kia); four great-grandchildren; brother Robert (Bobby) Samson (Ilene); sister Jacquelyn Murphy; and numerous nephews, nieces, grand-nephews & nieces.

He is preceded in death by his first wife, Patricia K. Harada Samson; parents Anselmo Samson & Crisitta T.E. Samson; daughter-in-law Lilith Samson; & daughter Cynthia Holmes-Ogle.

Born in Honolulu Hawaii in 1944, he began his career in the US Marine Corps in 1961. He married Patricia (Patti) in 1966, and they had two sons. He served in the Marine Corps for 30 years, serving valiantly in Vietnam, receiving the Bronze Star for bravery. His career took him many places in the world and then back home to Hawaii serving as the Base SgtMaj at Kaneohe Marine Corps Air Station. After retiring from the Marine Corps, he worked 15 years for The Bus … retiring the last time in 2006 to care for his late wife until her death in 2009. In 2010, he relocated to Indio to join his long-time friends Leonard & Zoe Shanks. Sam was an avid golfer & also enjoyed bowling, baseball & football. Whatever sport he engaged in, he was fiercely competitive.

After returning to Southern California, Sam reconnected with long-time military friends in the Carlsbad area in 2012. That’s when he reconnected with Linda, the widow of one of his best friends. Sam and Linda enjoyed their great adventure, traveling the world with family and dear friends & visiting family in Alabama, Ohio, Texas, Florida & Hawaii. They had 13 wonderful years together.

Sam touched so many lives. He was well loved & will be missed forever.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the American Cancer Society or the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society in honor of Sam’s military service.