Jack Sample 1958-2016
Jack LeRoy “Catfish Jack” Sample, 58, died early Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, at his home in Robinson, surrounded by family.
Jack was born July 13, 1958, in Topeka, the eldest of four children born to Jack and Laura Fountain Sample and had lived most of his life in Topeka until later years. He grew up in Topeka and attended schools there, where he graduated from Highland Park High School with the class of 1976.
He worked in a private laboratory as a tech for a number of years prior to working as a cook off and on for various restaurants in the Topeka/Holton area, including Willie’s Steak House in Holton. It was his work as a cook that earned him the nickname of “Catfish Jack.” Jack later was a cook for the Golden Eagle Casino at Horton for a few years.
Jack served on committee for the Robinson Park for a few years. Jack was an avid KU basketball fan. He and Ollie were rivals – he was a Kansas City Chiefs fan, she being a Denver Broncos fan.
He married Ollie Garman on Dec. 31, 1984, at Topeka. They spent their married life in Topeka until moving to Hiawatha in 2001, and about a year later, moving to Robinson. She survives.
Also surviving are three daughters, Richelle Logan of Topeka, Rebecca Lowe of Hiawatha and Brittney Sample of Robinson; three sons, Tony Niccoli (Brandi) of Topeka, Sean Sample and David Sample, both of Robinson; a sister, Shelley Sample Aldrich, of Topeka; 11 grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, John Sample and Jimmy Sample in infancy.
Memorial services are planned for 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21, at the Memorial Veterans Building, 214 Main, Robinson, with Paul Kline officiating. Private inurnment at a later date will be held at Rose Hill Cemetery, Robinson.
The family will meet with friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Veterans Building, and also an hour prior to services.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Jack Sample Memorial Fund, sent in care of Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, 124 S. Seventh St., Hiawatha, KS 66434, who is assisting the family with arrangements.
