Samuel Nelson Peffers II

Samuel was born on June 21, 1965, in Saint Joseph, Michigan, and grew up in Tucson, Arizona. He went on to attend the University of Arizona, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in 1987. His dedication to learning continued throughout his life, earning a Master of Science in Administration from Central Michigan University in 1998 and a Doctor of Philosophy in Technology Management from Indiana State University in 2013.

Samuel began his career serving his country in the United States Army, where he dedicated over 2 decades of service. He was commissioned in 1987 and retired as an Airborne, Ranger, LTC in 2011. Over the years, he grew as a leader, taking on increasing responsibility in roles that included platoon leadership, company command, and senior executive positions. He mentored soldiers, led large teams, and played a key role in training and preparing others. His service was recognized with numerous honors, including the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medals, Army Commendation Medal, and several additional commendations and campaign awards.

Following his military career, Samuel found his true passion in education. From 2015 to 2025, he served as a professor of systems and industrial engineering at the University of Arizona’s Yuma campus. He was deeply committed to his students and the community, mentoring countless individuals through coursework, senior design projects, and their paths to graduation. He truly loved teaching and took great pride in helping others succeed.

Throughout his life, Samuel lived in many places due to his military service, but as his family lovingly shared, “We made every place feel like home from Louisiana to Hawaii.” No matter where he was, his greatest joy was being with his family.

Samuel is survived by his wife, Cynthia Cabanillas; his daughters, Loretta Marie Peffers, Cynthia-Hannah Peffers, and Christina Colleen Peffers; and his granddaughter, Arizona Rusty Sisler. He is also survived by his mother, Evelyn Marie Peffers; aunts Lilian Tillitson, Marcella Brauher, Dianna Vasquez, Susan J. Smith, and Sandy Yabumoto; his nieces, Molly Couder (Woody) and Michelle Johnson (Ben), along with their families; and his Aunt Ann Marie and Uncle John McKeveny. He leaves behind many cousins, including Carrie and Philip Peffers. He was preceded in death by his father, John Peffers.

Samuel was a devoted Catholic, strong in his faith, and a parishioner of St. Thomas Indian Mission for over 35 years. He loved reading, exercising, and running, but above all, he loved spending time with his wife, daughters, and granddaughter. He was passionate about engineering, the University of Arizona, and serving his community. Known for his hardworking nature, dry sense of humor, and thoughtful wisdom, Samuel was a mentor, a protector, and a trusted listener. His unique personality and the way he shared his insight left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

A rosary will be held at St. Thomas Indian Mission Church at 7:00 PM on Friday, May 1, 2026. A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Saint Thomas Indian Mission at 9:00 AM. Following this service, the inurnment will be at 11:00 AM at Johnson Mortuary.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to one of the following charities: Hospice of Yuma, Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Catholic Community Services, or AdvoKATE Foundation.

Samuel’s life was defined by service, love, faith, and dedication to others. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered as a husband, father, soldier, and scholar