Joseph "Joe" Sampson

Biography

Joseph “Joe” Clifford Sampson, born on Valentine’s Day February 14th, 1922 in a log cabin in Rushville, Indiana, passed away quietly the afternoon of April 8, 2014 from natural causes. Joe was the son of Ella May Sampson and Donald J Sampson, and was the youngest of the two brothers (Phillip Sampson). Joe attended high school in Albion, Michigan, where he played the drums in the school band and his high school sweetheart Orpha (and later his wife) played the trombone. Joe married his high school sweetheart Orpha Barnes Carbaugh on July 7, 1944, and together they have two children Roxy Stone and Joseph C. Sampson, Jr. Joe’s wife continued her education during marriage and Joe became a pilot in the USAF and served his country in World War II. Joe and Orpha were relocated often within the US living in Illinois, Texas, Alabama, and finally Utah, where they enjoyed a very active lifestyle escaping to the great outdoors as often as possible. Joe completed his education as an engineer, starting his domestic career with Albion Malleable Iron Company, and later moving into the aerospace industry at Redstone Arsenal in Alabama. His final career move as Aerospace Design Engineer for Thiokol Chemical Corporation was as part of the investigative team sent to NASA to review the Challenger explosion. Favorite past times included water sports (skiing) at Pine View Reservoir, camping, hunting and fishing. Joe and Orpha belonged to the High Rollers Motorhome Club and took their motorhome on frequent excursions with friends. They travelled in a motorhome built entirely by Joe’s own hands. As a couple, they also enjoyed card games (bridge, canasta, Mahjong) with friends until wee hours of the morning. Joe held offices and was active in the Ogden Elks Club.

Joe’s death was preceded by his wife Orpha in December of 2013, and leaves behind his son Joseph C. Sampson, Jr. and daughter Roxy Ann Stone; and Grandchildren Ginger Lee Wills, Christy Raynor, Ryan Sampson, JR Sampson, Lyca Stucki; and great grandchildren, Lane Wills, Ashton Sampson, Bailey Sampson, Carter Sampson, and Davis Sampson, and Lauren Millard.

Joe will be forever remembered for his curious and intense nature to know how everything works; and, understanding that he would build it if it suited his needs. He was a generous and caring husband, father, and friend and his passing has left a void in the lives of those who knew him.

Memorial services will be held at Heritage Place Chapel, 1150 South Main, Bountiful, Utah on Saturday afternoon at 4:00 pm with Pastor Rick Minnich, First Presbyterian Church of Ogden Presiding. All family and friends are welcome. Online guestbook at www.russonmortuary.com