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
Ed Colyer
12 Aug 2025This saddens me greatly. Ray was my BEST FRIEND as we grew up and attended Church and school in Davis City as well as Lamoni. We were so close we even spent many days and nights in each others home. And, I well remember his first car, a 1951 Ford, green in color. The many experiences we shared together will forever be remembered.
YES, I well remember when Ray and Linda were married, the birth of their first child Wanda as well as his job with Kenny Smith on the farm north of Lamoni, the time we were stopped by Kansas City Police, while in his car, on the Paseo Bridge, skipping school, a trip to Des Moines to purchase bananas costing 5 cents a pound and many other things too numerous to mention.
He was loved and will forever be remembered as a TRUE AND FAITHFUL FRIEND.
Farewell GOOD FRIEND. Fly high until we meet again.
Just Old Ed Colyer
😥😥😥😥
Susie Lepping
13 Aug 2025He talked of your adventures often with a big grin. Thanks for sharing!
Bonnie Krudis
13 Aug 2025Ray was my brother-in-law, my late sister Linda’s husband and I must say he was a wonderful, loving and humble man . I know he is in the arm of Jesus and he will finally see that he was a good man and that the Lord loves him as we all did. I remember so many family get-togethers with Ray & Linda and I remember his laugh and his hugs and all the good things he did for others. I knew him and his family growing up on the farm, going to Davis City RLDS church, Zion’s league, dating and marrying my sister and was privileged to be a part of their wedding. He was such a good man and will be deeply missed.
Susie Lepping
13 Aug 2025Thank you Aunt Bonnie. We love you!
Bill and Kathie Lepping
14 Aug 2025Susie, We love you and will keep your family in our prayers. Godspeed.
Kay (Snethen) Herring
14 Aug 2025Raymond was a positive reflection of his parents and his midwest community. Like others, I remember Raymond from school, church, and Zion’s League. His marriage to our neighbor and good friend, Linda, seemed perfect. They shared strong values, a faithful commitment to their church, to each other, their family, and their community.
I am saddened to hear of his passing, but I am assured that he and Linda are Reunited with family and friends, under the loving care of Jesus.