Michael E.R. Sample

Mike was born to Bill and Helen (Bartley) Sample in Joplin, Missouri on May 21st, 1951. He grew up in Commerce, Oklahoma with two brothers and one sister. He graduated from Commerce High School in 1969 and after graduation attended Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College in Miami, Oklahoma, earning his Associates Degree. He then married his high school sweetheart, Mary Lou Box, on June 11, 1971. They both continued their education at Oklahoma State University, graduating in 1973.

After graduation, Mike and Mary Lou moved to the Kansas City area when Mike was hired by Black and Veatch Consulting Engineers. He would work there for the next 40 years.

Mike committed his life to Christ, and was baptized by Brother Don Craig at Calvary Baptist Church in Lenexa, Kansas in 1977. There Mike grew in the Lord’s service, and taught Sunday School and Royal Ambassadors Youth Program, and was ordained as a Deacon in the Church. He made many lasting friendships over his years of service at Calvary.

After eight years of marriage, his first child, Curtis, was born, and two years later, his daughter, Emily. His proudest moments were raising his two children, and he always invested a lot of time with his family. There were many great family vacations all over the country, and countless special moments spent together. Mike was also passionate about fishing, hunting, and playing golf. He loved his annual fishing trips to Canada, and went every year for over 30 years; sometimes even twice.

In 2011, Mike and Mary Lou moved to Spring Hill and joined Blue Valley Baptist Church. Mike retired from Black & Veatch in December, 2013. He spent his retirement enjoying his passions, and particularly his grandchildren. From teaching the young boys to golf and fish, or attending countless practices and games, Mike got the greatest joy just from spending time with them. Over his 40 years of employment, his job required him to travel the entire world, but he was always happiest when he was at home with his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Mike was preceded in death by his father Bill Sample, and his oldest brother Billy Sample.

Mike is survived by his wife Mary Lou, son Curtis Sample (Aubrey), of Olathe, Kansas; daughter Emily Tegtmeier (Chad), and four grandsons Grayson, Cainen, Easton, and Deacon, of Olathe, Kansas; mother Helen Sample, of Baxter Springs, Kansas, sister Linda Key, of North Miami, Oklahoma; brother Larry Sample (Becky), of Chipley, Florida, sister-in-law Nancy Sample, of Miami, Oklahoma, and aunt Maxine Greninger (Rufus), of Miami, Oklahoma, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 29th at 1:00 PM, followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 2:00 PM. Both events will take place at Blue Valley Baptist Church at 8925 W. 151st Street, Overland Park, Kansas 66221. In lieu of flowers, Mike requested donations go to Blue Valley Baptist Church to support its program Food for His Glory, which provides food to hungry children in poverty-stricken areas of India.