Lawrence “Larry” Sams – August 18, 1925 – March 15, 2019

Obituary

Lawrence “Larry” Sams, 93, of Salina, passed away Friday, March 15, 2019. He was born Aug. 18, 1925, in Culver to Lawrence Lee and Bessie Mae (Kresge) Sams. Larry graduated from Salina High School in 1943 and Kansas Wesleyan University in 1950 with a bachelor’s degree in business. He married Joan Manning on Feb. 9, 1947, in Gypsum. Larry served in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II and was stationed in the Pacific theater. He received the Air Medal and three oak leaf clusters. He was a life member of the VFW and the Kansas Medical Group Management Association (past president 1979-1980), a member of Sunflower Lions Club (past president), the Isis Shrine and Masonic Lodge #60 for over 56 years. He was active with First United Methodist Church and Peacemakers Sunday School class, serving as past president. Larry retired as administrator from Mowery Clinic in 1988, then worked part-time for Saline County Dialysis. He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Joan; sister, Beth Jilka; children, Douglas Sams and Janice Kline (Bill); grandchildren, Michael Kline (Carrie), Justin Kline (Sara), Jason Sams (Brittany), Parker Sams and Preston Sams (Kara); and great-grandchildren, Caleb, Connor, Katelyn, Kirsten, Jacob and Joshua. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and five sisters. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, March 22, at First United Methodist Church, with a private burial prior in Roselawn Memorial Park, Salina. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, in care of Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. Eighth St., Salina, KS 67401.