Richard L. Sampson

Richard L. Sampson, 88, of Colesburg, passed away on Sunday, April 30, 2023, at Terrace Glen Village in Marion, Iowa. He was born on September 4, 1934, in Colesburg, the son of Howard and Hazel (O’Neal) Sampson.  Richard was raised and educated in the Colesburg area, graduating from Colesburg High School in 1952. He then attended the University of Iowa for two years before returning to the family farm.

On June 20, 1954, Richard was united in marriage to Fay Barnhart at the Zion Methodist Church in Colesburg. They celebrated sixty-eight years of marriage. Three children were born to this union. Together Richard and Fay farmed until their retirement in 1991 when they moved to Colesburg.

Richard enjoyed all sports, playing softball into his fifties. He was also a referee for high school men and women sports for many years until 1986. He had the privilege of refereeing many state tournaments in Des Moines, with his good friend, Robert Hildebrand. Richard was a longtime member of the Colesburg Methodist Church and was a Mason. He served on the Delaware County Conservation Board and was mayor of Colesburg for eighteen years. Richard particularly enjoyed spending time with Fay and his family.

Survivors include is wife, Fay Sampson of Cedar Rapids; three sons, Scott (Patsy) Sampson of Dyersville, Brad (Sheryl) Sampson of Colesburg, and David Sampson of Cedar Rapids; seven grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; his sister, Rosellen (Greg) Elvidge of Cedar Rapids; two sisters-in-law, Bev Sampson of Edgewood and Rachel Sampson of Wichita, Kansas; and several nieces and nephews.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents; and his two brothers, Roland and Robert Sampson.

Memorials may be directed to the Zion Cemetery, Colesburg, Iowa.

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