Walter Sampson

Walter William Sampson, 63, of Walnut, Iowa, passed away Sunday, October 26, 2014, at his home in Walnut.

He was born June 23, 1951, the son of LeRoy and Edna (Thies) Sampson in Jefferson, Iowa. His family moved to Walnut, Iowa, where he grew up. He attended Walnut Community Schools and graduated from Walnut High School in 1969. Shortly after graduation he joined the United States Army and served for two years. Upon his discharge, he went to Louisiana where his sister Mary lived, and spent a couple years there before returning home to Walnut.

On June 9, 1974, Walter was united in marriage to Barbara Stevens at the Peace United Church of Christ in Walnut. He began his career of truck driving when he moved back to Walnut. Over the years he drove for Suhrs, Youngs, Matthies, Emken, and Walnut Grove, and took great pride in owning his own semi. The last 18 years he has been a truck driver for Jim Hawk Trucking in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

Walter is a 40-year member of the Peace United Church of Christ in Walnut. He was also a member of the Walnut American Legion Post #422, and a former commander of that legion. Walter was a past president of the Optimist Club.

Surviving Walter is his wife, Barbara of Walnut; his children, Dawn and special friend, Mike of Omaha, NE, Brian and wife, Jen of Walnut and Rob and wife, Sarah of Avoca, IA; grandchildren, Dusty, Steven, Haylie, Sierra, JayC, Brody, Joel and Ella; brothers and sisters, Dave (Carol) Sampson of Hancock, IA, John (Kay) Sampson of Walnut, Arnie (Carol) Sampson of North Carolina, Mary Willie of Louisiana, Aug Sampson of Walnut, Susan Libby of Walnut, Wayne (Darlene) Sampson of Underwood, Martha (Randy) Hargens of Walnut and Pete (Margaret) Sampson of Elliot, IA; sister-in-law, Lana Stevens of Council Bluffs; his buddy and best friend, Doug (Susan) Sheperd of Walnut; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Walter was preceded in death by his parents, LeRoy and Edna Sampson; his brother, Robert; and his brothers-in-law, Robert Stevens and Dennis Stevens.

Visitation with family will be from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 29, 2014, at the Peace United Church of Christ in Walnut, Iowa.

The funeral will be at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, October 30, 2014, also at the Peace United Church of Christ in Walnut, Iowa, with burial at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family strongly requests memorials go to the American Legion or Peace United Church of Christ, both in Walnut.