Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Samuel Lawrence McCleary

About

Doherty High School Rye High School

FUNERAL HOME

The Springs Funeral Services - Platte

3115 E. Platte Avenue

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Samuel McCleary Obituary

Samuel Lawrence McCleary was born March 6, 1943, in Pueblo, Colorado to William Lawrence McCleary (deceased) and Anna Lorraine McCleary Lewis of Wichita, Kansas. He passed away on April 15, 2013 after a yearlong courageous battle with brain and colon cancer. In 1962 he graduated from Rye High School, Rye, Colorado. Served in the Army National Guard 1962-1970 and worked in the mines of Climax, Colorado, and Emerson Electric in Colorado Springs. Sam joined the Colorado Springs Police Department in 1967 and proudly served for 38 years before retiring as a detective in 2005. Sam then worked for School District 11 as a Security Officer at Doherty High School for two years before going to Jenkins Middle School. There he was proudly referred to as "Uncle Sam" by all "HIS" students for almost five years. On November 29, 1968 he married the love of his life, Sandra Kay Coffman Maskrey whom he only had known for less than 40 days. They celebrated their 44th Anniversary last November 29th. When their children, Christopher and Kelly were born they were the highlight of his life. That is until his three grandchildren, Kaylee, Cammeron and Carsten were born. Sam enjoyed playing his guitar, camping, 4-wheeling, fishing, hunting, re-loading, shooting, enjoying video games with his grandsons and son, playing with his labs Ruger, Aspen and Remi along with his other dogs, Chance, Samantha and Shilo. However more than life itself, he loved being with his family. He instilled his work ethics, value for friends, (of which he never met a stranger), honesty, pride in his job and love of his family. He was a member of the Police Protection Association, NRA, Timberline Fishing Club, and the Frontier Gun Club. Sam is survived by his wife, Sandra, son Christopher (wife Kristi), granddaughter Kaylee, grandsons Cammeron and Carsten, daughter Kelly Davis all of Colorado Springs. Mother, Anna Lewis of Wichita, Kansas, brother Ken McCleary (wife Dorothy) of Pueblo, Co., sister-in-law Linda Short (husband Norm) of Casa Grande, Az. (numerous nieces and nephews) and more friends than most people ever know. He was predeceased by his father William and his sister Gwen. Cremation has taken place and no funeral services are scheduled. A "Celebration of His Life" will be held on Saturday, April 27 at the Stetson Hills Police Station, 4110 Tutt Blvd. from 2-5 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to American Cancer Society.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Gazette on Apr. 21, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Samuel McCleary

14 Entries

Bruce & Loni Baxter

April 24, 2013

Sam and I worked together, hunted and fished together. He was a great friend, as was his family. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Deb Lucero

April 22, 2013

I've had 3 sons go through Jenkins and he was big part of their positive experience there. I loved to watch him interact with the kids. He was a special man who made a difference and he will be missed!

Neil Byrne

April 22, 2013

I worked with Sam back in the 1970s on the CSPD. He was a good, no nonsense cop and a good mentor during my early years on the department. I wish his family well. He will surely be missed by those who knew him then and now.

Tracey DeBusk

April 22, 2013

So very very sad and sorry at the passing of this wonderful sweet soul, Sam. Sam and Sandy have been long time next door neighbors of ours. Sam always came to our rescue, plowing us out when deep snow fell. Always had a smile and time at the fence for us both. We will truly miss you Sam! You put up a great battle and now you can rest in the arms of Jesus! Much love, Audie and Tracey

S C

April 22, 2013

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time.

The other cop's kid

April 22, 2013

My dad worked with Sam and I am good friends with his son Chris (Cop's Kid), who followed in his dad's footsteps. Chris is the perfect example of how great a dad Sam was, he will be missed.

W Lambert

April 21, 2013

Sam and I worked together at Sand Creek. He was a great coach, a great leader.

Pat Marr

April 21, 2013

Sam was my sister's fiancé in 1964, and gave me away at my wedding. David and I have thought of you and talked of you often. RIP old friend.

Laurie Riner

April 21, 2013

I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Sam at Jenkins Middle. He would come in and just sit and talk. He always had a funny story to share. I remember when he got his dogs Remi and Aspen,the stories he come in with about them and their adventures in puppyhood. The world has lost a great man and friend. I am blessed to have known him for the short amount of time I did. I know there was a hole in Jenkins when he left last year and now a bigger one now that he wont return. Sam always had a smile and M&M's to share if you needed them. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Lori Lujan

April 21, 2013

Sam was a great guy. He will be missed.
Lori
D11 Security

Jodi Shields

April 21, 2013

Sam always made me laugh...he will be missed. I wish I could tell him one more time what his friendship meant to me. He was a joy to work with; he will definitely have a special seat in Heaven.

Eddie Orff

April 21, 2013

I worked with Sam at the Sand Creek Police Station and he was a first rate person, detective and friend. The world needs more men like Sam.

Duane Helm

April 21, 2013

I've known Sam for 38 yrs.I joined the Colo. Spgs.Police Dept. six months after sam did and we were friends from the start.He use to make sure I got home after some the shift parties we had,knowing I wouldn't make on my own! A great friend who will be greatly missed!

Duane Helm C.S.P.D.Retired

Cathy O'Driscoll

April 21, 2013

I knew Sam and his wife Sandy when I worked for Colorado Springs utilities, I worked with him at Doherty, and saw him every day at Jenkins. My daughters and I always gave "uncle Sam" a hug when we saw him. He will be missed :(

Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results