Richard Dick' Allen Sampson, Sr.

Richard (Dick) Allen Sampson Sr., 86 yrs. passed away on January 13, 2017. Born in Charleston, West Virginia to Dorothy Jesmer and Charles F. Sampson, Dick grew up in East Stroudsburg, PA.

Dick enlisted in the Army but was able to attend, and graduate, from East Stroudsburg Teacher’s College in Pennsylvania. He also served in the United States Coast Guard, stationed in Hoboken, New Jersey.
While in college, Dick married Mary Catherine O’Boyle in 1953 and the couple moved to Patterson, New Jersey.
He received his Master’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Detroit. Dick began a career in museums and living history museums and restorations, beginning with the Detroit Historical Museum and consultant to Henry Ford and Greenwich Village museums in Detroit. Dick next went to Racine, Wisconsin to the County Museum and as a consultant for the old Milwaukee Art Museum. In the 1960’s Dick worked for Earlham College and with Eli Lilly to develop Conner Prairie into the living history museum we enjoy today. During this time, he was an active member and past president of the Noblesville Rotary Club. His final museum legacy includes his love for model trains and can be seen at the Indianapolis Children’s Museum where Dick participated in the design and installation of the model train exhibit.
Dick and his wife Mary, were both employed by Brebeuf Jesuit High School where Dick served as Director of Development and initiated the funding processes for the transition of Brebeuf from an all-male institution to the school it is today.
Dick and Mary were married for 44 yrs. before Mary’s passing and enjoyed raising their four children, Richard (Cleanne) Sampson Jr., Suzanne (Mike) Dilts, Martha (Scott) Repp and Matthew Sampson. Dick is grandfather to nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Dick was fortunate to marry Kay Boatman of Lebanon, IN and they shared 18 years together in the community of Lebanon. In addition to his wife, children, and all grand and great grandchildren, Dick is survived by his brother, Robert Sampson and sister, Margaret Sampson and two step-children, Steve and Karen with Andrew, step grandchild.
Visitation will be held at Flanner Buchanan 105 West Pine St-Zionsville, IN 46077 on Saturday, January 21, 2017. from 10:00am 11:30 AM with Funeral Services at 11:30am.
Arrangements are entrusted to Flanner and Buchanan-Zionsville. Memorial contributions may be made to Witham Health Services Foundation 2705 N. Lebanon Street, Suite 115, Lebanon, IN 46052