Donald Lee Sampeer

Donald Lee Sampeer Mr. Donald Lee Sampeer, age 74, died at Hospice of the Valley in Surprise, Arizona on Tuesday, September 28, 2010. He was born March 31, 1936, in Owosso, MI. His family moved to Battle Creek, MI, when he was five. Donald attended the Verona School and graduated Battle Creek Central High School in 1954. He worked for Grand Trunk Railroad for one year as a diesel apprentice. Enlisting in the United States Air Force in 1955, he traveled the world. He lived in Minnesota, the Philippine Islands, Michigan, Kansas, California and Germany with his family. He spent one year in Nova Scotia and one year in Southeast Asia. For his efforts in Southeast Asia, he was awarded the Air Force's fifth highest honor, the Bronze Star. He retired as a Master Sergeant in 1977. Don began his second career selling Nurse-call systems and TVs to hospitals. It was at this time he became an Elk in the Redlands, CA, lodge. He was the Esquire and Leading Knight at the Yucaip, CA, lodge and Inner Guard, Treasurer, and Trustee at the Sun City lodge. Survivors include his wife, Audrey (Cameron); children, Scott (April), Patrick and Sherri Lopez (Tim); four grandchildren, Jason, Reuben, Shelby, Amber (Tony); and four great-grandchildren, Jesse, Madison, Jenna and Terrence. A memorial service was held at the Elks Lodge in Sun City, Arizona, on October 15, 2010. Burial will be at the Riverside National Cemetery, California, with Military Honors on November 12, 2010, at 11:00 a.m. Donations to the Hospice of the Valley, 14066 W. Waddle Rd., Surprise, AZ 85379, or the Diabetes Association of Surprise, Arizona.