Sam Goss Warren

Sam was born in Richmond, California on October 7, 1945, but would tell everyone that he got to Texas as fast as he could! He grew up in the Austin area with his parents, James and Bonnie Warren. From a very young age, he had the best of influences from his grandparents, learning his work ethic and care for others on their farm. He attended Lanier High School until his senior year when the family moved to Leander. He graduated from Leander High School in 1964 as “Mr. LHS.”

Sam had a heart for service to others, and that was evident in his career. He started with the Austin Police Department as a Police Aide and dispatcher until he was able to attend the police academy and be sworn in as an officer on his 21st birthday. During his career, Sam worked patrol, motors, robbery, homicide, forgery, and later became the first Chief of Police at Brackenridge Hospital before he retired in 1995 as a Senior Sergeant of the storied APD Motors Unit.

Sam also had a 30-plus year military career, retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer-4. He flew and was an instructor pilot for several different helicopters during his decades of service in the Army and National Guard and ended his career as a pilot on active duty with the Texas Reconnaissance and Interdiction Detachment.

When he wasn’t flying for the government, Sam spent as much time in the clouds as possible, whether in his own small plane or working for a private helicopter charter company. He greatly enjoyed giving rides to friends, family, and the occasional celebrity, especially if he could get their stomachs to drop with his midair maneuvers!

Despite his antics, Sam was someone who people immediately trusted. He even convinced a first date to go flying with him, the first of a lifetime of romantic gestures towards B.K. From the first time she saw him, Sam stood out as the most thoughtful, caring man she had ever known. He won her over from the beginning, and she married her “Sky King” in April of 1973. He was her best friend, confidant, and soul mate. Together they were an enviable couple, setting an example of a committed, loving marriage for their children.

As a father, Sam was strong and serious with high expectations, but also a teacher, playmate and entertainer. He could give a lecture to his kids one minute and have them in fits of giggles the next! Sam passed on his strong work ethic, a passion for serving others, his love of animals, and the ability to create ridiculous puns. He prioritized his family, and shaped his children into who they are today.

As someone who seemed to have boundless energy, Sam took full advantage of his days off. Whether he was snow skiing, boating on the Austin-area lakes, riding horses, or jumping out of planes for fun, he knew how to have a good time! As a member of the Texas Peace Officer Rodeo Association and Austin Police Rodeo Team, he rode bulls, participated in the Wild Horse Race, and Team Roped all over the state. Sam helped start the Calf Scramble event, which still occurs at Rodeo Austin as scholarship program. He also gave his time to other causes such as Blue Santa, charities benefitting veterans and other families in need, and the Patriot Guard Riders.

Sam spent his retirement years traveling in his RV, mowing the church grounds with his tractor, and driving cars for Henna Chevrolet. He spent many hours on his Harley Davidson, touring the country with the Los Pistoleros motorcycle club. “Vati” shared his love of music with his grandchildren, teaching them how to play the ukelele, guitar, piano and harmonica.

Sam was a jack-of-all trades who never met a stranger. He would drop everything to help anyone in need and took special care of his friends. He always had a joke at the ready and was determined to make people laugh. He loved classic country, old hymns, funny animal videos, movies at the theatre, and a good bourbon. Sam was the backbone of his family, a mentor, an advocate, and all-around good guy. His loss will be felt deeply by all that knew him, but his presence will remain through his influence and example.

Sam Warren is survived by his wife of 51 years, B.K. Warren, his daughter Tara Stewart and her husband Josh, son Bodie Warren and his wife Tracy, grandchildren Lauren Saenz, Kyra Scarlett Irwin, Reagan Warren, Aiden Stewart, and Calen Stewart, as well as his sisters Jenny Waley and Ruby Pringle and their families, and numerous cousins and loved ones.

A visitation for Sam will be held Friday, September 27, 2024 from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home in Pflugerville, with a rosary prayer service following at 7:30 PM. The Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, September 28, 2024 at 12:00 PM at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 2500 Limmer Loop, Hutto, TX 78634. He will be laid to rest at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Cemetery in Pflugerville with full military honors.