Vern Sampson, age 83, of Midland, died Wednesday, July 26, 2006, at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip.

Vern Sampson was born on April 28, 1923, the son of C.J. and Rose (Rada) Sampson, on a farm eight miles south of Midland. He grew up in that area and attended Loyalty School for eight years. He did not attend high school but bought his first truck at age fourteen. Vern worked for neighbors doing odd jobs until old enough to work on the railroad. He worked off and on for the railroad for seven years, while still trucking. Vern bought his first semi in 1958, and continued trucking until failing health forced him to sell out his business in June 2006.

Vern was united in marriage to Isabelle Munger on June 8, 1947, at Kadoka, and they shared their life together for fifty-nine years. To this union were born twins Steven and Sherrie, and son Randy. After their marriage, the young couple took over the Stamford Grocery Store and later moved on a farm where he ranched and continued his trucking business. A more hard working man would be hard to find. He was known through out the area as a good neighbor, friend, and someone you could depend on to get the job done.

Grateful for having shared his life include his wife Isabelle of Midland; a daughter Sherrie Block and her husband Dean of Midland; a son Randy Sampson and his wife Jackie of Philip; three grandchildren Jason Sampson, Jennifer Heltzel and her husband Eric, and Alesha Block; two great-grandchildren Rylan Block and Danessa Heltzel; three sisters Blanche Dolezal of Philip Grace McKillip of Murdo, and his twin sister Dorothy Blom of Pierre; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Vern was preceded in death by his parents; a son Steven Sampson; and a brother Stanley Sampson.

Visitation will be held 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, July 28, at the Rush Funeral Home in Philip.

Graveside services will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 29, at the Belvidere Cemetery, with Larry Dolezal and Pastor Gary McCubbin officiating.

Arrangements are with the Rush Funeral Home of Philip.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial is established.

GRAVESIDE SERVICES

Saturday, July 29, 2006 10:00 a.m.

Belvidere Cemetery

Belvidere, South Dakota



OFFICIANTS

Larry Dolezal

Pastor Gary McCubbin



MUSIC

Joyce Wheeler - Lyndy Ireland

"Precious Memories"

"Farther Along"



ACTIVE PALLBEARERS

Wayne Sampson - Jerry Sampson

Tom DeVries - Dean Block

Gary Block - Ross Block



HONORARY PALLBEARERS

All Relatives and Friends in Attendance



INTERMENT

Belvidere Cemetery

Belvidere, South Dakota