Rev. David Lee Sams, age 64 of Redwood Falls, passed away Friday, December 4, 2015 at Fairfax Community Home where he was recovering from surgery. Memorial services will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 18 at St. Cornelia’s Episcopal Church at the Lower Sioux Community. Visitation is 4:00-7:00 p.m. Thursday, December 17 at the Redwood Valley Funeral Home with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Friday. Burial is in St. Cornelia’s Episcopal Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been set up in David’s name to the Abu-Bekr Shrine building fund in Sioux City, Iowa and Bishop Whipple Mission/Saint Cornelia’s Church Guild Hall fund. Online condolences may be sent at www.stephensfuneralservice.com. Stephens Funeral Service – Redwood Valley Funeral Home in Redwood Falls is assisting the family with arrangements.
David Sams was born February 27, 1951 in Sioux City, Iowa to Leland and Marilyn (Goldsmith) Sams. He was baptized at Wesley Methodist Church in Sioux City, and confirmed at First United Methodist Church in Redwood Falls. He graduated from Redwood Falls High School in 1969, received his Bachelor of Arts from Southwest State University in 1973, and his Master of Science from Mankato State University in 1996. David was ordained into the Sacred Order of Deacons in the Episcopal Church in 1984. Dave spent over 40 years working on the Minnesota Council on Disability. He was employed by the Southwestern Center for Independent Living where he served as Disability Advocate. David was a member of the Morgan Lions, and Abu-Bekr Shrine. He enjoyed gardening, cooking, and was a collector of many things. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with family and friends.
David is survived by his brothers: Steve (Andrea) Sams of Prescott Valley, AZ, Keith (Jan) Sams of Hiawatha, IA, Brian (Darla) Sams of Redwood Falls; many nieces and nephews; and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents.
Steve & Andrea, Keith & Jan & Brian & Darla,
Just want you all to know we are thinking about you & sending hugs and prayers your way! I have many fond memories of times spent with all of you! Dave was an AMAZING person who will be missed by many!
With love & deepest condolences to you all,
Rich & Carla
Uncle Sammy! As my children know Him. But he was a dear Brother to me for about 44 years. So yes Sammy you will be missed but not forgotten, we have had so many laughs together and laughing at each other. But now you are up there rejoicing with Jesus and your parents and my parents. You definitely touched and impacted many lives. For that I want to thank you!
Love your Buddy Gee!
Bob
SMILE!!
To the SAMS family:
I have known Dave since I started at Southwestern Center for Independent Living in 1990. Dave was a mover to start SWCIL in the early 80’s, a vocational rehab counselor, a SWCIL Board member and my colleague working at SWCIL. Dave had a unique ability to consider the whole person when working as Vocational rehab counselor. His work as an advocate is known to many the state of Minnesota.
I hope Heaven is totally accessible so Dave doesn’t have to pull out his access book .
I will miss our discussions.
Steve
I have knowing you for just a few months, the first day i ever saw you, i knew you was a nice person. i spoke with you a few days ago and can’t believed you’re gone. May you peaceful soul rest in perfect peace. i know you’re on the right hand side of the most high God. Till we meet again, rest in peace Rev. Sams.
Rev was a long time state council on disability council member. He was a wonderful advocate for the community. I have found memories of working with him and Murphy his service dog at our Mn State Fair booth and at the legislature too. However my best memory of him was when I was in junior highschool and he had a part in the musical South Pacific! he could sing and even dance! He will be missed!
I attended graduate school with David from 1989 to 1991. He and I worked on an accessibility project together. I was thinking about classmates from the program and remembered Dave Sams. He was one of four men in the program. Glad to see he graduated and received his Master’s Degree. Not an easy thing to do.