Clarence A. “Sam” Sampson

Clarence A. “Sam” Sampson 

1953-2024 

Clarence A. “Sam” Sampson, Maj. (Ret.), U.S. Army, was called to be with our Lord and Savior on March 29, 2024. He passed away peacefully at his home with his wife, Gloria, and son, Eric, by his side. 

The son of a WWII veteran, who served in Vietnam and in the Air National Guard, John R. Sampson, CMS (Ret.) and wife, Constance, Sam was born on May 16, 1953, in Raton, N.M.  

Sam was a gifted athlete. He was not only a cowboy at heart who enjoyed bull riding and training mustangs, but he was also a wrestler and football player.  

After his graduation from Eastern New Mexico University, Sam was drafted by the Chicago Bears but, in 1975, he chose the U.S. Army and was commissioned as an officer through the ROTC program. He graduated from ENMU with bachelor degrees in psychology and sociology, and minors in military history and anthropology. 

Sam was very proud of his career as a military officer. During his 20 years in the Army, while he was stationed at several bases in the states as well as in Germany and Japan, among other positions, he served as a provost marshal and an executive officer. He was awarded a Certificate of Participation from the Department of Defense Space Shuttle Support Team for significant contribution to the progress of the United States Space Shuttle Columbia during its first flight on April 12, 1981.  

He loved all the soldiers he served with or met along the way, and he was honored to have had the opportunities to work with Gens. Colin Powell and Norman Schwarzkopf Jr., Brig. Gen. Evelyn Foote and Maj. Gen. Larry Lust. 

Following his 1995 retirement from the Army, Sam started working with the U.S. Postal Service. In December 2022, after 26 years, he retired from Belen’s U.S. Sen. Dennis Chavez Post Office. 

Throughout his life, Sam was a kind-hearted and generous man. After his retirements, he continued giving to and supporting his communities and country as a proud member of AUSA, Knights of Columbus, VFW Daniel Fernandez Post 9676, the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 1, MOAA, American Legion Post 81, and as an associate member (Dad) of the Rio Grande Valley Blue Star Mothers of America (NM2). 

Sam loved his time with Gloria and Eric, and his family. They loved going fishing, camping, vacationing in Oregon, walking along the seashores, attending Lobo games and just being together. Sam and Gloria also just truly enjoyed one another’s company. They were best friends, and some of their favorite travels included trips to Washington, D.C., and to Vermont.  

Our hearts are broken in the loss of our beloved American soldier Sam—devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. 

Sam was preceded in death by his parents, his paternal grandparents, Clarence J. Sampson and wife, Grace Swartz; and his maternal grandparents, Joseph A. Galassini and wife, Sylvia M. Craig.  

He is survived by his beloved wife of 42 years, Gloria J. K. Chavez-Sampson; son, Eric A. Sampson (Erika); daughter, Tonya Kramer (Michael); six grandchildren, one great-grandson, and many cousins, nephews, nieces and friends. 

Thank you from the heart to Noblin Funeral Service, Presbyterian Cancer Hospital, Legacy Hospice, Ambercare, the VA Hospital and all our family, friends and veterans, who were there for us during this difficult time. 

Services for Clarence were held on Tuesday, April 16, at Noblin Funeral Service Belen Chapel. Clarence was placed at the Santa Fe National Cemetery. 

Beyond words, beyond love, and beyond anything! Until we meet again at the gates of heaven. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Fraternal Order of Police, Albuquerque Lodge No. 1, 4100 Cutler Ave. NE, Albuquerque, to support fallen officers and their families. 

Arrangements were handled by the caring professionals at the Noblin Funeral Service Belen Chapel, where an online guest register is available at noblin.com.