Raymond L. Sams
Raymond L. Sams, 86, of Independence, MO, passed away on August 10, 2025. Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, August 14, 2025 at Royer’s New Salem Funeral Home, Independence, Missouri; burial following in Buckner Hill Cemetery, Buckner, Missouri. The family will receive friends from 1:30 until service time at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to www.parkinson.org.
Ray was born on May 22, 1939, to Norval and Arlene (McKee) Sams and was raised in Lamoni, Iowa. He married Linda Dawson on June 1, 1958. Though they experienced the heartbreaking loss of their firstborn, Wanda Joy, in 1960, they were later blessed with three children: Susan, Stephanie, and Jeremy.
Ray was a devoted and loving grandfather to Austin, Amber, Jordan, Mya, Kendra, and Brody. His face lit up during visits with his energetic great-granddaughters, Adeline and Evelynn.
Ray will be remembered for his generosity, kindness, honesty, and genuine care for others. He consistently put the needs of family and friends before his own. Active in his church, committed to his work, and always ready to share a laugh, Ray was the kind of person who never hesitated to lend a helping hand.
He found joy in life and when he was not working he would spend time in nature, riding his motorcycle, gardening, farming, and playing cards. He enjoyed ice cream, travel, camping and being surrounded by friends and family.
Ray was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Linda Kay (Dawson) Sams; his daughter, Wanda Joy Sams; his parents, Norval and Arlene Sams; and his brother, Donald Sams.
He is survived by his children: Susie and son-in-law Tim Lepping of Yulee, FL; Stephanie and son-in-law Paul Wypasek of Little Falls, NJ; and Jeremy and daughter-in-law Kendall Sams of Oak Grove, MO.
Ray was the eldest of his siblings: Richard Sams and wife Linda of Independence, MO; Sister-in- law Wanda Sams of Gilbert, AZ; Sandy Bolte and husband Jim of Council Bluffs, IA; Linda Shutt and husband Richard of Independence, MO and Dave Sams and wife Joyce of Oklahoma City, OK.
He also leaves behind six grandchildren—Austin McAfee, Amber McAfee, Jordan and wife Danielle Smith, Mya Sams, Kendra Smith, and Brody Sams—and two great-grandchildren, Adeline and Evelynn Smith.
Ray’s life was full of love, laughter, and unwavering dedication to God and those around him. He made a difference in many lives with his kindness and care. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.
Royer’s New Salem Funeral Home ~ Independence, MO (816) 796-8600