Willard L. Sample

Willard (Bill) L. Sample passed away Wednesday, December 17, 2008. Bill was born March 8, 1923; to Aire Robert Sample and Mae (Bachus) McCullom Sample. He attended Yakima High School and enlisted in the Army Air Force Nov 1941. He served in the 3rd Commando in the Philippines in World War II in which he received numerous awards and decorations. He married Carrie Alexa Napier, 1 June 1946 at Brooks Army Air Force Chapel, San Antonio, Texas. They were married for 62 years. He was assigned to SAC for 7 years at Biggs Air Force Base and retired in Nov 1963 and returned to El Paso and was employed by Southern Union Gas Company. He enjoyed playing bridge, traveling, camping and fishing. He is survived by his wife, Alexa. Brother, Harry Sample and children, Cynthia Waters, Patricia Williams, Elizabeth Flores and Robert Sample, 7 grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren. Visitation from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm on Monday, December 22, 2008 at Sunset Funeral Homes–Northeast. Celebration of Life service at 7:00 pm, Monday. December 22, 2008 at Sunset Funeral Home-Northeast. Graveside service at 9:30 am, Tuesday, December 23, 2008 at Fort Bliss National Cemetery. Interment will follow at Fort Bliss National Cemetery with full Military Honors. The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to WB Army Chaplain Jimmy Hicks for all the support. Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Homes-Northeast. Please visit on-line register book at www.sunsetfuneralhomes.net