Al Samples
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Obituary
Al “Sonny” Samples, 92, of Farmington, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 4, 2025, in Prairie Grove. He was born on November 3, 1932, in Abilene, Texas, to Alfred and Ettie Melinda (Kilmer) Samples.
From an early age, Al's determination and work ethic shone bright. As a young boy during World War II, he worked as a shoe shine boy — a small job that taught him lifelong lessons in grit and gratitude. In high school, his athleticism made waves when he placed fourth in the state of Texas in the backstroke.
Al proudly served his country in the Army National Guard for twenty-four years before retiring with honor. In 1969, he and his beloved wife, Yvonne, made the move from New Mexico to Arkansas, where they would plant deep roots and raise their family.
A man of strong faith and steady hands, Al was a dedicated member of the Prairie Grove Church of Christ and a pillar of his community. Through his longtime business, Al’s Electrical, he became known not just for his skilled craftsmanship, but for his honesty, dependability, and the kindness he showed every customer and friend who crossed his path.
He was preceded in death by his parents, six sisters, and two brothers.
Left to cherish his memory are his devoted wife of seventy-two years, Yvonne Mershon Samples; his son, Shon Samples and wife Tina of Elkins, Arkansas; his daughter, Sandy Tennant and husband Steven of Farmington, Arkansas; and his sister, Iva Lou Samples of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. Sonny’s legacy also lives on through his five grandchildren — Rodney Howard (Jennifer), Kimberly Berger (Mike), Addison Tennant, Heath Samples (Katie), and Derek Samples (Brittany) — and his seven great-grandchildren, who will forever remember his steady smile and gentle wisdom.
Though his tools may now be at rest, the light Al brought into the world — through faith, family, and service — will continue to shine brightly in the lives he touched.
The family will receive friends on Thursday evening from 5:00-6:00 P.M. at Luginbuel Funeral Home in Prairie Grove, Arkansas.
Funeral service will be held Friday, October 10, 2025 - 10:00 A.M. at Prairie Grove Church of Christ. Burial will be in the Farmington Cemetery, there will be no graveside services held.
Memorials may be made to Gospel Tract International 2125 N Center St., Fayetteville, Arkansas, 72701.
From an early age, Al's determination and work ethic shone bright. As a young boy during World War II, he worked as a shoe shine boy — a small job that taught him lifelong lessons in grit and gratitude. In high school, his athleticism made waves when he placed fourth in the state of Texas in the backstroke.
Al proudly served his country in the Army National Guard for twenty-four years before retiring with honor. In 1969, he and his beloved wife, Yvonne, made the move from New Mexico to Arkansas, where they would plant deep roots and raise their family.
A man of strong faith and steady hands, Al was a dedicated member of the Prairie Grove Church of Christ and a pillar of his community. Through his longtime business, Al’s Electrical, he became known not just for his skilled craftsmanship, but for his honesty, dependability, and the kindness he showed every customer and friend who crossed his path.
He was preceded in death by his parents, six sisters, and two brothers.
Left to cherish his memory are his devoted wife of seventy-two years, Yvonne Mershon Samples; his son, Shon Samples and wife Tina of Elkins, Arkansas; his daughter, Sandy Tennant and husband Steven of Farmington, Arkansas; and his sister, Iva Lou Samples of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. Sonny’s legacy also lives on through his five grandchildren — Rodney Howard (Jennifer), Kimberly Berger (Mike), Addison Tennant, Heath Samples (Katie), and Derek Samples (Brittany) — and his seven great-grandchildren, who will forever remember his steady smile and gentle wisdom.
Though his tools may now be at rest, the light Al brought into the world — through faith, family, and service — will continue to shine brightly in the lives he touched.
The family will receive friends on Thursday evening from 5:00-6:00 P.M. at Luginbuel Funeral Home in Prairie Grove, Arkansas.
Funeral service will be held Friday, October 10, 2025 - 10:00 A.M. at Prairie Grove Church of Christ. Burial will be in the Farmington Cemetery, there will be no graveside services held.
Memorials may be made to Gospel Tract International 2125 N Center St., Fayetteville, Arkansas, 72701.
Funeral Service
10:00 am
Prairie Grove Church of Christ
Visitation
5:00 pm
Luginbuel Funeral Home
Final Resting Place
Farmington Cemetery
North, Row 05 70, Space 15
General
Nov 3, 1932
Oct 4, 2025
92
Documents
Tributes
When my father built our hen complex in the early 80’s Al was one of the electricians that worked on it. He taught me so much about electricity and how things are wired and how to fix things that I’ll never forget! He was a wonderful man and taught me so much with patience and a smile. Prayers to the family !
Jonathan Allen - Family friend
Funeral Service
10:00 am
Prairie Grove Church of Christ
Visitation
5:00 pm
Luginbuel Funeral Home
Final Resting Place
Farmington Cemetery
North, Row 05 70, Space 15
General
Nov 3, 1932
Oct 4, 2025
92
Documents