Richard Gareth "Dick" Samples

Richard Gareth (Dick) Samples passed away at home Jan. 26th of lung cancer. He was born at home in Waurika, OK to Marshall Samples and Juanita Matthews. He attended the Waurika Schools, played clarinet in the band and was the drum major. He graduated with the class of 1951. He attended the University of Oklahoma pledging the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity. He graduated from the School of Architecture in 1957. As a member of the ROTC program, he entered military service stationed at Loring Air Force Base in Maine and Anderson Air Force Base in Guam. His wife and two small sons joined him in Guam where lifelong friendships developed resulting in many reunions around the world. Following military service he began a career with the Oklahoma City Public School District. He retired as supervisor of the engineering and maintenance department in 1991. He and his wife chose to live in Warr Acres, purchasing a small home on a large wooded lot. He immediately started remodeling the structure, increasing the size by 1000 sq. ft. and adding three levels. The house was featured in the Daily Oklahoman Sunday paper section of My Haus. Dick had many interests, was talented in wood working, making outstanding pieces of furniture from exotic woods. He created many stained glass pieces which included lamps, windows and wall hangings. He was attracted to flea markets where he found numerous treasures. When his workshop was full, one could find many bargains on e-bay from that shop. Dick became an important figure in the lives of his five granddaughters and one grandson as he enjoyed regular days of care giving. He was a regular member at the “round table” at Dunkin’ Donuts where world problems were discussed and never solved. Dick embraced all aspects of life with an avid curiosity and interest. Every stranger was a friend. Dick was preceded in death by his parents and brother Dr. Don Marshall Samples. He is survived by his wife of 55 yrs; Dolores Wood Samples, his son Kim, wife Judith and children, Zalexia and Crystal of Mexico, Michael Samples and Kimber Morley (Justin) and great grandson Cooper of San Antonio; Son Mark, wife Kathie and children Shelbi and Jamie of OKC; sister Jonelle Reid of Park City, UT. He was the favorite uncle of numerous nieces and nephews and was the one that thought up crazy things for them to do. Memorials may be made to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation. 825 NE 13th Street. OKC, OK 73104. Memorial service will be 1:00 pm Sat. Jan. 30, 2010 at Guardian West Funeral Home Chapel.