Calvin James Sams

Funeral Services for Calvin Sams will be held Thursday, April 10, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at the Gillette Memorial Chapel in Gillette, WY with Pastor Doug Goodwin officiating. Interment will follow at Mount Pisgah Cemetery, Gillette, WY. A luncheon will be served at Cemetery Shelter immediately following, served by the ladies of the Happy Hour Club of Rockypoint, WY. Visitation will be Wednesday, April 9, 2014 from 4:00p.m 7:00p.m at Gillette Memorial Chapel.Calvin James Sams, 94, of Gillette and Rockypoint, Wyoming, passed away Sunday, March 30, 2014, at the Beehive Homes of Gillette. Calvin was born September 1, 1919, to Ernest and Sarah Mae (Flory) Sams, on their homestead in northern Campbell County, Wyoming. His parents moved the family to North Dakota when Cal was 2 years old, and returned to Wyoming when he was 7. He remembers that he drove a team of horses that were pulling a wagon when they returned. Cal left school after 8th grade and worked for many different ranchers, including W. P. Parks and Manley Moore, herding and trailing sheep between Gillette and Biddle, Montana. These journeys were made many times, with just the help of a horse and a dog. He will be remembered for his physical strength and perseverance that got him through some very tough times.Cal was drafted into the Army in 1942 and fought in World War II, mostly in India. When he returned from the war, he leased a small ranch near Biddle, Montana, and bought some cows. He met and married Evelyn Clements on July 23, 1946, at the courthouse in Miles City, Montana. He took Evelyn to a movie that night, and the next night, and then went home to "the place" and made a home for his bride. In 1952, Cal and Evelyn bought a ranch at Rockypoint, Wyoming, and lived there until he retired in 2001. He raised cows and sheep, and attended many card parties and dances that were held in the community. Cal loved to play cards, and you had better be a good partner if you were playing with him, or you would never hear the end of it! He also loved to play checkers, and would chuckle with delight when he knew he had won; usually many moves before you realized you'd lost! He loved spending time with his family, and most recently, his two great grandsons. Cal is survived by his two sons, Mick (Lesley) Sams, and Norman (Darcy) Sams, both of Rockypoint, WY; his two grandsons, Thomas (Casey) Sams, and David (Jennifer) Sams, both of Gillette, WY; his four granddaughters, Felicia and Cassie Sams, both of Denver, CO, Ashley and Rachel Sams, both of Moorcroft and Rockypoint, WY; and his two great-grandsons, Carter Sams and Clyde Sams; three sisters, Ethel Hansen, Betty Ross, and Irene O'Daniels, all of Sheridan, WY; and one brother, Don (Phyllis) Sams, of Ephrata, WA. Cal is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Evelyn; brothers Lee Sams, Lloyd Sams, and sister Dorothy DeWittMemorials may be sent in Calvin's name to Close to Home Hospice, or the charity of your choice. Memorials and Condolences may be sent in care of Gillette Memorial Chapel 210 West 5th Street Gillette, WY 82716. Condolences may also be sent via our website at www.gillettememorialchapel.comFuneral Home:Gillette Memorial Chapel210 West Fifth Street Gillette, WYUS 82716