June 7, 1931 – Jan. 20, 2004

Robert Leslie Samford, 72, of Philomath died Jan. 20 at his home.

He was born June 7, 1931, at Mayhill, N.M., to Thurman George and Lolette (Pendergrass) Samford.

He moved to Oregon in 1948 and graduated from Corvallis High School in 1949.

In 1968 he married Erma Faye Brown in Reno, Nev.

Mr. Samford served 1950-54 in the United States Navy, stationed on the U.S.S. Repose during the Korean Conflict.

He was employed at various sawmills, then worked for the City of Albany for 17 years. He enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Mr. Samford is survived by sisters, Eleanor Coburn of Eugene and Jean Worley of Washington; brother, Jack Samford of Philomath; daughters, Teresa Vanderpool, Bobbi Brolin, Pam Samford, Sandra Cramer of Lebanon, Reita Wyatt and Tammy Shandy of Albany, Paula Samford and Susan Goodwin of Corvallis; sons Terry Walker and Larry Walker of Corvallis and Dennis Samford of Philomath; numerous grandchildren, including Bob Botkin of John Day, and many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Erma Faye Samford, daughter Patricia and son Danny Walker.

A graveside service officiated by Pastor Gregg Strawn of the Church of Christ was held Jan. 24 at Oaklawn Cemetery in Corvallis.

Memorial contributions can be made to the American Diabetes Association or the American Kidney Association.

Driskill Memorial Chapel was in charge of arrangements.