Paul Sams Obituary

Paul O. Sams, 90, passed away peacefully April 20, 2005, in Colorado Springs, CO. He was born December 11, 1914 in Milo, Iowa to Jim (J.R.) and Della (Powell) Sams. He married Lucille E. Trogolo, May 29, 1940 in Colorado Springs, CO. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters: Erma Bevans and Vera Kinney. Paul is survived by his wife, Lucille: son, Roger (Vicki) Sams, of Colorado Springs; and brother, Dean (Martha) Sams of Rush, CO. He is also survived by two grandchildren: James S. Sams and Andrea L. (Stanley) Culp. He will be greatly missed by his great-grandchildren: Kenneth Logan and Samuel Hunter; and several nieces and nephews. The family came to Eastern El Paso County in 1920. Paul graduated from Miami-Yoder High School, Rush, Colorado, in 1936. After working on the family farm near Rush, he came to Colorado Springs and began employment with the IXL Creamery. He was inducted into the U.S. Army in 1942, served in World War II and was decorated with the Purple Heart after being wounded in the Allied occupation of Sicily. He continued employment with the IXL Creamery after returning from World War II until 1960 when he began a career with the U.S. Postal Service as a letter carrier. He retired from the Postal Service in 1981. A major part of Paul's life was at the Central United Methodist Church, formerly the First Evangelical United Brethren Church. Paul was a member of the church for 65 years, serving in many lay leadership positions. This service included many years on the Board of Trustees and 46 years as Church Treasurer, retiring from that volunteer position in 1997. He was the caretaker of the grounds and "official photographer" of the Church for many, many years. Paul was an active member of the Memorial Hospital Auxiliary for 16 years. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m., April 25, 2005 at the Central United Methodist Church, 4373 East Galley Road, near Galley Road and Murray Boulevard. The family will be meeting friends at the Swan-Law Mortuary on Sunday, April 24, 2005 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Central United Methodist Church.