In Remembrance Of
Samuel Martin
Samuel Allen Martin, 68, of Plattsburg, MO passed away September 26, 2021.
He was born on June 7, 1953, to Samuel Elijah and Ruth Marie (O’Neal) Martin. He grew up in Lincoln, NE and Cheyenne, WY. Sam graduated from Lincoln Northeast High School and received his Bachelors Degree in Accounting from Nebraska Wesleyan University. He was later inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame at both schools for his wresting and football achievements. Sam also went on to compete in 2 Olympic trials for wrestling. He later received his Masters in Business Administration at Rockhurst College in Kansas City, MO.
On June 2, 1979, he was united in marriage to Kathy Lynn Hampton. After their marriage they lived in Kansas City and moved to Trimble in 1984, then to Plattsburg in 1996 where they made their home. Sam worked as an accountant and a controller for several companies, most recently for McCormick Distillery and Davinci Roofscapes. He served on the Clinton County R3 School Board for 9 years with 4 of those years as President. Sam also served on the board at Specialty Industries in St. Joseph for over 30 years, including being an Officer and Board President multiple times.
For 36 years, Sam shared his love for wrestling by volunteering with all phases of the Plattsburg Wrestling Program from youth through high school with boys and girls. He ran multiple marathons and did triathlons. Sam was an avid reader and loved listening to music. Sam was a man of high character and truly loved giving back. He was a wonderful husband and dad. Most of all he loved being a grandpa to his 6 grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his mother Ruth Martin, his father and step-mother Sam and Wilma Martin, his brother-in-law Scott Pettit and his cousin Chuck Dooling.
Sam is survived by his wife Kathy Martin; sons Brian Martin and Colby Martin; grandchildren Kami, Brayden, Colton, Caysen. Colby, Jr., and Callen; sister Sherry Pettit; brothers Ron (Patsy) Martin, Bill Martin, and John Martin; cousin Joe (Tina) Dooling; other relatives and many friends.
A private family service will be held.
There will be a public visitation from 2:00-3:00 p.m. with a public memorial service at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, October 10th in the Performing Arts Center at Plattsburg High School ending with an honorary lap around the track in memory of Sam for all who are able to join.
Donations may be made to the Sam Martin Memorial Fund.
Arrangement by Hixson-Klein Funeral Home, Gower.
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Comments & condolences
16 comments
Clark & Robin Lehr
Kathy – I was so sorry to hear of Sam’s passing. While we haven’t kept in touch for many years, I always considered Sam a good friend. Our time together really was just our senior year at LNE. A lot of goofiness while I was not eating lunch (trying to stay in the 98 lb weight class) and Sam simply skipping lunch. I used to carry this Class A State Heavyweight Champion on my back around the wrestling mat just to show that I could. Great guy and great memories! Clark
David Dow
Sam was a great father and friend. He lead by example and as a coach cared deeply about the kids both as athletes and as people. Plattsburg had lost someone who inspired many in the community.
Chuck Chevalier
I am so sorry for your loss. I played football with Sam at Nebraska Wesleyan. During Sam’s junior and senior years at NWU, he played on defenses as a tackle that still are in the top five years all-time for least yards per game. He was a great player and a wonderful teammate. Although he was a lot slimmer than those college years (He wrestled at about 250-260 pounds back then), his smile didn’t change over the years based on the picture on this website. My prayers go out to the family.
Kathleen Willson
So sorry for your loss.
Steven and Nancy Costanzo
Our thoughts and payers are with the entire Martin family. Sam was a class act and someone we all looked up to. Sam will always be in our thoughts and we are very appreciative of him. He left a legacy that will never be forgotten. We are so very sorry for your loss.
Sincerely,
Costanzo Family
Bernard D'Silva
Sorry to hear about your loss and please accept my condolences. I had the pleasure and honor of working with Sam and he truly is a man of Integrity. May he rest in peace.
Thomas Maupin
With condolences from my wife and me. Sam served as my best man and lived a life full of bests. I’ll miss him greatly.
Linda & Bob Morton
Kathy and family, we were so sorry to hear of Sam’s passing from Linda’s sister Patsy. Ron & Patsy were always proud to report on events in Sam’s life so although we had limited contact with him we felt we knew him well. And Bob had something in common as he also graduated from NWU.
Kala Dow
My condolences to Sam’s family. What a great man. His natural leadership ability inspired everyone around him to be a better person. My family was blessed to have him teaching and encouraging my kids… at wrestling and at life. He will be so missed by so many.
Michelle Fuller
He was a amazing man. I owe him the world, cause of his wonderful words he told my daughter mat side 9 years ago. She is now an amazing wrestler & will be going to college next year for wrestling. He made a little girls dream come true. Thank you Sam . We will always miss u. With love Michelle & Payge
Jane Wiedenmann. Etta Martin Dyche
So sorry for your loss. Praying for the family.
Terry Hixson
So sorry for your loss and he will be missed by all
Roger Porter
Kathy and family: I was so sorry to hear of the passing of Sam. I am sure you have some great memories as I do with all the time we spent at wrestling practice and matches. Again my condolences. If there is anything I can do to help please let me know.
Kristy Aitkens
I’m so sorry for your loss. Sending prayers to you and your family.
Bruce, Christel and Ada
We really enjoyed getting to know Sam and having conversations with him at Stony Point events. Our prayers go out to the entire family and our condolences for the loss of such a great man.
Jeff and Sonya Alden
Praying your memories will help you through this difficult time. So sorry for your loss.