Sam H. Loughmiller, III

Sam Houston Loughmiller III was born on August 15, 1949 in Parsons, Kansas and peacefully died on October 24, 2022 in his home at Merriam, Kansas. He is preceded in death by his parents, Sam Houston, Jr. and Elizabeth Loughmiller as well as one brother Quinby Loughmiller. He is survived by Glenna Loughmiller, his wife of 51 years; his children Barry Loughmiller, and wife Jamie, of Eudora, Kansas and Natalie Thomas and husband Mark, of Alexandria, Virginia; Grandchildren Adrian, Tabitha, Owen, Brady, and Eli; and his siblings; Judy Monroe, Tom Loughmiller, Jerry Loughmiller, and Jane Loughmiller. If the measure of a man is how many lives he touched, Sam was a huge success. He was a devoted Husband, Father, Grandfather, Uncle, Boy Scout, Teacher, and Friend. He never met a stranger and would talk to anyone and everyone. He selflessly donated his time to his church, mentoring recently released prison inmates, educating people on organ donation and helping anyone in need. He strove to make a difference in the world by helping to ease the pain of others with honor, compassion, and understanding. He spent his teenage and college years working with boy scouts and continued that work with both his son and grandsons. He religiously attended every one of his daughter’s track and cross country events, both in high school and college. He was known and loved by the entire racing team. He had an amazing and silly sense of humor that he shared with his grandchildren. His strong faith was a guide in his life and the impact on those he knew and loved cannot be overstated. Sam taught in the public school system for 38 years as an Industrial Arts teacher after receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from Pittsburg State University and was a finalist for the Kansas state Teacher of the Year. His former students sometimes came to the house and asked for help and he always did what he could for them. Sam had many interests that kept him active and involved with life. He was actively involved with Oak Grove Christian Church, serving as an Elder, singing in Choir, as well as taking charge of maintenance and building issues. He was a member of the East Hill Singers, a choir that sang with mentored prison inmates. Some inmates, after release, kept in touch with Sam and counted on him as a friend. As a kidney donor recipient, Sam felt strongly about organ donation and was a strong advocate for Gift of Life, speaking at local schools and even making a YouTube video on Gift of Life that can be found on the world wide web. Sam loved to travel and toured extensively in the continental United States, visiting all 50 states. He spent several weeks in Hawaii with his Sister-in-Law Deanna and her husband Bob. One of his most loved travels was hiking to the bottom of the Grand Canyon with his good friend Don Huffman. His trips also included a cruise to Alaska and a recent trip to Europe with his wife to celebrate their 50 years together. He was a recreational shooter, hunter, and outdoorsman. He was a railroad fan and very proud of his son, Barry, a train engineer. Sam’s life seemed to revolve around building projects sparked by his Industrial Arts background. Along with countless renovations, repairs, and jobs he did for other people, he built his own house as well as a house for his son. This short written celebration of Sam’s life and work clearly indicates the high esteem in which he was held and how much he will be missed by all who knew him. A visitation will be held from 4:00-6:00 PM Friday, October 28, 2022, with a celebration of life following. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Gift of Life, (6405 Metcalf Avenue Building #3 Suite 109, Overland Park, KS 66202).

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Sam H. Loughmiller, III

August 15, 1949 - October 24, 2022