Wayne Martin Samson, age 81, of Gladstone passed away on Monday, May 29, 2023 at OSF St. Francis Hospital following a brief illness.
Wayne was born January 23, 1942 in Ashland, Kentucky, the son of Smith and Irma (Proehl) Samson. He graduated from Ashland High School in 1960. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business from Eastern Kentucky University in 1966.
In his early years, Wayne worked at the A&P Food Stores in Ashland and delivered papers to 150 morning customers for the Herald-Dispatch of Huntington, West Virginia. Following college he worked for the State of Kentucky as an Income Tax Examiner, as a Transportation Officer, and as a Social Security Disability Determiner. Wayne had a passion for sales with extensive sales experience as a salesman and sales manager for over 20 years. He sold industrial tools and supplies serving the mining and manufacturing industries covering 34 counties of Kentucky and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
He was an avid reader of Kentucky and Civil War History. He enjoyed classic country and hillbilly music. After the Sunday morning country music radio program, he listened to the Bethany Lutheran Church service. Wayne’s first interest in cars started in his childhood from his experience of building and racing soapbox derby cars. Wayne was the 1956 soapbox champion. He was knowledgeable of vintage automobiles, trucks, and tractors. He preferred the old instead of the modern.
He was a hard worker, mechanically inclined and enjoyed welding, auto repair and using his tractors. He had a tender heart for dogs, especially his Labrador and Rottweiler. He loved sharing his stories of the experiences and of the people he met in the coal mining areas of Kentucky. He was an undisciplined collector of cars, trucks, tractors, and a large variety of items; and he enjoyed bargaining!!
Wayne is survived by his children, John (Julia) Samson, David (Kristen) Samson and Christina (T.J.) Zakowski of Lexington, KY, grandchildren, Thomas, Grace and Charlie Zakowski, sister, Dolores Samson of Rapid River, brother, Dan Samson of Escanaba and numerous cousins, nephews, and one niece.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Lois.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, June 4 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Funeral services at 4:00 PM with Pastor Lily Brondyke officiating. Wayne will be laid to rest in the Rapid River Cemetery following the funeral service.
mike blahnik - New Braunfels, TX
Wayne , R I P
Mike Pryal - Gladstone , Mi
So sad to hear Wayne passed away. There were many times Wayne and I worked together, had fun together and laughed together. He shared some of his quirky little habits with me. He showed me how to love his home state Kentucky to the point that my wife and I went there to see where this wonderful man came from. The stories he told me about his hometown I will never forget. Wayne was a good friend, very understanding and will be sadly missed but now with very good memories.
I will be out of town at the time of his funeral which I regret.
Ann Jousma Miller - Gladstone, MI
Delores and Dan, I’m so sorry to hear of Wayne passing. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Daryl Peterson - Bark River, MI
Delores,Dan & family,
I am so sad to hear of Wayne’s passing. My first experience with Wayne was when I worked for the O.K. Auto store in Escanaba. Wayne walked through the front door bigger than life and in is own unique way began to wheel and deal. While we were discussing auto parts I happened to be distracted by the colorful cap he was wearing which he had picked up from the Rooster Run country store. Being a hat collector at the time, I asked him if he would be kind enough to pick one up for me if ever passing through Rooster Run in the future. Wayne looked at me with a smile and said,” Y’all don’t have to wait for that.” He then proceeded to take the hat off his head, placed it on mine, smiled & walked out the door. Ever since that day, we had a good relationship and found ourselves wheeling and dealing occasionally for something. I sure will miss him !
Robert and Judy Noe - Harlan, KY
It saddens our hearts to the know the family’s loss with the passing of Wayne Samson. I have worked and shared friendship with his son John for 28 years. I’m know that Wayne was very proud of his family. I only had the pleasure of meeting John’s father Wayne once; it was a pleasurable afternoon that I will always remember. We talk about the times he had worked in Eastern Kentucky and how he loved working, talking, and being a part of the mountains. Sorry that Judy and I can’t be there for John and Julia, but you will be in our prays each day to help with the loss.
Judy and Robert Noe
Ger Nicholson Schwark - Escanaba, Mi
Delores and Dan, I’m so sorry for your loss. I would visit Wayne at times to bring him garden stuff for his chickens. He was quite a talker and a collector of many things. A Very smart man also. He always had a smile and was soft spoken. I think he knew everyone in town…Lol…R.I.P. Wayne
Keith Norris - Fairfield , Oh
Uncle Wayne was truly one of a kind. A larger than life personality. Condolences to Aunt Dolores and Uncle Dan, and my cousins David, John and Christina.
Holly Samson - Lancaster , Ky
My heart is broken learning of Wayne’s passing. The first time I met him I ended up in the emergency room learning his word for hospital “castle of death”. Later at the flee market I learned another new word “cat girl”. Both incidents being embarrassing for me but Wayne found humor. It didn’t matter the situation he always found something that made us all laugh. You could not help falling in love just from his laugh. I don’t recall him ever complaining. Back then my cooking skills were not the best but he never said a word and trust me I remember a few dishes that make me shake my head now. He was a people person, visiting the people who lived on our road sharing what he learned that evening upon his return. He loved his grand dogs and they loved him. I would return from work finding all the dogs laying around the yard passed out next to a can of his homemade dog food. The ones he loved were always on his mind as he would have a gift because it reminded him of the person and he gave the best gifts. How he knew it was perfect for a person I will never know. The Flim Flam man was one of his favorite movies and I have since watched it again in later years. I am blessed to have known Wayne and the time spent with him accumulating memories that I will forever cherish.He was one of a kind, he was the best and will be sorely missed. My heart goes out to his family.
Cathy Smith - Pacific Grove, CA
I’m so sorry to hear of Wayne’s death. He was truly one of a kind. He was a brilliant and wonderful person. My condolences to you all.
Gary and Becky Lehman - Escanaba, MI
We send our condolences to Dan and Wayne’s entire family!
Tim Ramsden - Naperville, IL
So sorry to hear of Wayne’s passing. He was truly larger than life and someone I will never forget. From his special vocabulary and a story for everything, he was entertaining and fun to be around. He loved a good flee market and was always looking for a good deal. I will never forget when I saw him sell the tires right off his truck. He will be missed by all.
Daniel Vader - Escanaba , MI
Wayne was an extraordinary man. He was kind and compassionate. Where others saw trash Wayne saw treasure. Every broken down piece of equipment was a project in Wayne’s mind. His capacity to dream was unmatched. We helped each other- each in our own way. R I P Wayne. I know you are up in heaven looking for a piece of junk to fix.