Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Carson Samples Obituary
Carson attended public and private schools in Houston. He attended River Oaks Elementary School, St. John's and Pershing Middle School, and graduated from Lamar High School in 1998. Carson earned an associate degree from Alvin Community College in General Studies and a B.S. in Technical Writing from Missouri State University (formerly Southwest Missouri State University) where he was a graduate student in Sports Management.
Carson was well known for his baseball prowess and skills. He played on numerous Freeway National Little League All-Star teams, served as the heralded catcher of a Lamar team that annually went deep into the playoffs, earned honors as second team Team One High School All-American and Texas Pro Scouts All-Star. From these honors he participated in Team One and Texas Pro Scouts Showcase games. Carson earned a baseball scholarship from Kansas State University and Alvin Community College and went to MSU to play baseball until a broken hand precluded his participation.
Carson is preceded in death by his grandfathers Eugene Samples and Bob Hale; great-grandparents Carson Robert and Lavenia Ward McKinney and Matt and Mary Hale. His life is further extended by his surviving and grieving family: grandmothers Browning McKinney Samples and Clara Hale; aunts Barbara Hale Moore, Carlotta Samples, and Olga Samples Davis; great aunts Valeda Jennings, Signorina Tucker and Mary Lou Hale; cousins Leslie Noels, Horace Jennings, Rodney Holden, Ullysses McKinney, Madison Tyler, Prudence Tucker, Raymond Hale, Brandon Bailey, and Courtknee Noels; godmothers/cousins Karen Jennings and Lori Charles.
A memorial service attended by hundreds of his friends, including current and former employers, coworkers and players from the many youth and high school baseball teams that he coached, was held Monday, November 28, 2011, and witnessed an outpouring of love and affection especially from the many - of all ages, young and old, male and female - to whom he had ministered during their times of distress. He was a MENtor to all. A second memorial services will be held Saturday, December 3, 2011, at 1:00 pm at Jones Memorial United Methodist Church on 2504 Almeda-Genoa Road.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Carson Samples
Bobby B
June 24, 2025
Carson was my first roomate and teammate at Galveston College in the fall of 2000. Its been years since his passing, but stumpled on this and wanted to provide a few words. All my best to his family.
Jovelle Huggins-Joubert
October 22, 2024
It seems so unreal, all these years later. I pray that you are continuing to smile that great smile in Heaven.
Baylee samples
April 17, 2023
In loving memory of my father. I will love you and miss you always.
David Mallett
February 15, 2023
Love you,brother!
Baylee Samples
November 18, 2021
Love you dad :>
Amber Garner-Parks
December 13, 2011
Sending prayers to you all in this time of sorrow.
Leslie, Brandon & Courtknee
December 12, 2011
Our prayers go out to the Samples's family. Carson touched all he met, and his compassion, love, and smile will live with us always. God Bless all of you.
Derrick Wilson, Class of 1998 (Lamar)
December 9, 2011
A smile that is unforgettable. Drs. Samples continue to stay prayerful and faithful during this time of bereavement.
angela holder
December 9, 2011
dear friends, my heart goes out to you at this time. my prayers are with you. i've lost both parents within a year of each other-both unexpectedly, so i understand the depth of loss you are feeling at this time. may god hold you in his arms to keep and comfort you. love you both! your former tsu colleague, angela holder,history
Kam Howerton
December 8, 2011
I would like to tell you how sorry our family was to hear about Carson Chad played for Carson last summer. Chad has been a very sad young man him and Carson still spoke often Chad's dad has been very sick this last year and he gave Chad a lot of time he was a great coach but a better friend.thank you for raising such a fine young man to share with our family.Kam Alan and Carson's forever friend Chad Howerton.
Larry Phillips
December 6, 2011
My heart goes out to Carson's family. I only knew Carson through pickup basketball and the Park board, but you could tell he was a great person who did good things in the Springfield community through is work with the Arc of the Ozarks. I always thought I would have time to get to know him better. He will be missed.
Mary McClelland
December 6, 2011
Gwen and Ron my heart goes out to you. I do not have the words to express how sorry I am. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. I never had the pleasure of meeting Carson, but I feel like I know him just from hearing you talk about him. Soror Mary McClelland
Theresa Lee
December 6, 2011
To The Samples: May GOD continue to Bless you through your time of sorrow. Do know GOD only picks the best for his garden. I only met Carson once and the warmth of that priceless smile made me feel as if I've known him a life time. "Ask GOD for strenght and he shall deliver".
December 5, 2011
Gwen, I am so sorry for your loss. You and Carson are in my thoughts.
Sal Petrolito
December 5, 2011
Gwen: I never met Carson, but I know he was very very lucky to have such great and loving parents. I am so sorry for your loss.
bill albright
Mark Christopher
December 5, 2011
I was delighted to have known Carson when we were students together at St. John's. I fondly remember his quick smile and friendly honesty. My sincere condolences to his family on this most untimely loss. He is missed.
December 5, 2011
My condolences to the Samples family. I remember him playing baseball with Neiman and the rest of the team and he was always respectful and focused. Do know that he was a living example of your love and values and that he will live on through his daughter. May God continue to bless your entire family.
Tiffany Spurlock
Kimball Tyson
December 5, 2011
I went to St. John's with Carson, and we were great friends. I am so sorry for your loss. He had a wonderful spirit about him, and he will be missed. You all are in my prayers.
Terri Kimble
December 4, 2011
My prayers are with you and your family during this time.
Kristie, Bill, & Dalton Modlin
December 4, 2011
I think back to the beginning days of baseball season. The first time we met Carson, he addressed us as "Mam" and "Sir". We joked about it and he said he had to do it or his Mom would be angry! I remember watching him squat down or sit on a bucket to get eye level with a kid who needed one on one attention. I remember Carson running windsprints with the boys. They never could catch him, and he would say "Come on you're young and I'm old...you should be able to beat me!" Carson was a strong young man with alot to teach and alot to learn. I pray his family finds comfort in knowing how may lives he touched.
someone who cares
December 4, 2011
The loss of a dear loved one so young can be very devastating especially to the parents. May you find the needed strength in prayer to our loving heavenly Father, for he understands your grief and will provide you with what is needed so you can cope at this most difficult time.
Gamal Jones
December 4, 2011
MAy God Bless your soul, my friend ! May You be in a place of no pain, no hurt, and no suffering. May prayers and condolences to and for the Samples family and Friends ! May GOD's grace, mercy, love, strength engulf You and go through You as You go through this tough time.
Tommy & Tania Campbell
December 4, 2011
We both loved Carson and had many great experiences together throughout our time at Missouri State. Carson was there for me during a rough time in my life and his actions and understanding provided great help for me. We will miss u forever Carson and I am confident that i'll be seeing you again soon. Prayers are with your family.
Vernica Ayers
December 3, 2011
Dear Family, So sorry for the loss of your dear son Carson. I have been praying for you and will continue to do so. Peace and love from the Ayers Family. Jones Memorial UMC
December 3, 2011
I experienced the beautiful memorial service today of your dear son Carson.What courage the family showed today to speak out boldy. I believe someone was helped by your words today.Im praying that God will heal your broken hearts as only God can do. God bless you.Much love, Elaine Davis
Catherine Tipps Vendola
December 3, 2011
Carson will be remembered for his huge smile and sweet spirit. He will always be a part of SJS 1998.
Donna Kilgore
December 3, 2011
"Now cracks a noble heart. Good night, sweet prince,/And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest." Hamlet, 5.2.325. "He added to the sum of human joy; and were everyone to whom he did some loving service to bring a blossom to his grave, he would sleep beneath a wilderness of flowers."(Robert G. Ingersoll)
December 3, 2011
May the Lord bring comfort to you and your family at this difficult time.
Gerrick Henry and family
Houston, Texas
Michael Waters
December 3, 2011
May the LORD continue to bring you strength and comfort at this difficult time. Our prayers are with you.
Rev. Michael W. Waters, Lamar Class of 1998
Andrew and Ashley Allison
December 3, 2011
My wife and I have known Carson since his days at St. John's. He seemed to always inspire incredible joy in everyone he encountered, especially us. Our sincere condolences go out to his family. We feel we are better people for having known Carson. He will be greatly missed and his family will be in our praires.
Katey Brandenberger White
December 3, 2011
To the Samples family...I am so sorry for your loss. Carson and I were friends at both St. John's and Lamar, and I remember most his laughter, his kindness, and his big, huge, smile. Please know that I am at his Memorial Service in spirit as I live too far away to attend. I am honored to have known him and to have been his friend.
December 3, 2011
We the Ayala Family extend our deepest sympathy and condelences to you all at this time. We are all sorry to hear of your loss. We will hold on to the memories created while at Freeway National Baseball. Carson will forever be in our hearts .....
The Ayala Family & ( Aaron Ayala- Freeway National Team mate)
Anwar Johnson
December 2, 2011
May the good Lord give you eternal rest and your grieving family perpetual peace.
-Anwar Johnson, Freeway National Teammate
Lee Martinez
December 2, 2011
Mr. Samples,
I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers will be with you and your family. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of Carson's life. It was a joy to watch him develop on the baseball field. He will forever live in my heart. May God give your family peace during this difficult time.
Charlie Gramatges
December 2, 2011
Drs. Samples,
My condolences during this terribly difficult time for you. Carson was a dear friend while we were attending St. John's and I am so blessed to have known him. I am deeply sorry for your loss and pray for understanding for us all. He will be remembered by the SJS Class of 1998.
December 2, 2011
Gwen and Ron,
We are all so so sorry about your loss. Our prayers are with you. You have our deepest sympathy.
Juanita, Toya, Monique, and Jeremy Pinkston, Pearland, TX
Dirk Taylor
December 2, 2011
On behalf of all of the English majors and minors of Texas Southeren University we give you our sympathy and condolences.
Lucy Forsten
December 2, 2011
I cannot imagine what you are going through and am so sorry for your loss. Carson was such a great guy, I was blessed to know him in middle school at SJS and will never forget dancing with him to Garth Brooks at someone's house party.What a cutie! I was always so proud to hear how well he did in baseball after we both changed schools. My heart and prayers go out to you and all of your family. What a crushing loss. Sincerely, Lucy Caudill Forsten.
Charles and Linda Wilson
December 2, 2011
Doll, I am lost at words, I don't know what say at this time of sorrow, you are love and forever will be, May God Strengthen you, and Guide you through this odeal. You have my deepest sympathy at heart.
Charles and Linda" Kay" Wilson, Grand Prairie, Texas
Our prayers are with you.
Cherie Ybarbo
December 2, 2011
My heart and prayers go out to the Samples family in this difficult time. May God be with you...I didn't know Carson personally, but I felt I did with all the baseball stories I've heard from Gwen.
Mary Klohn
December 2, 2011
Gwen, my deepest sympathy to you and your family on the loss of your dear son, Carson. You are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless.
Diana Perez
December 2, 2011
Gwen, I am so sorry for your lose. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. May God's peace and love comfort and strengthen you in the days ahead.
Charles & Vianne Ross
December 2, 2011
Gwen and Ron,
We are so sorry to read about the loss of your precious child. May sweet memories of his short life bring you comfort.
The Snowden Family
December 2, 2011
Gwen, you and your family have my deepest sympathy. May God fill your heart with peace and comfort in this time of sorrow.
Calvin & Jettie Greene
December 2, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Carol Johnson and family
December 2, 2011
May God's peace be with you all at this time- a PEACE that surpasses all understanding. I will always remember Carson as a toddler and his love of orange juice! Ron and Gwen, you all did a beautiful job raising your sons. Garrett,I'm sure Carson was proud of his little brother. You all are in my prayers and I know that Carson is with his heavenly Father.God's Peace be with you.
Clarence & Shirley Marks Whitmore
December 2, 2011
Gwen, may God in his infinite mercy, bring comfort and strength to you and your family.
Donna Aron
December 2, 2011
Gwen, "Earth has no sorrow that heaven can not heal" May God's grace cover you and your family during this time of bereavement.
December 2, 2011
Gwen and Ron it is a tragedy to lose your child at such a young age. We grieve with you and hope you are able to keep his memories close. Prayerfully yours, Tom Wier and the Houston Chapter of Texas Society of CPAs CPAs Helping Schools.
Tonja Rodriguez
December 2, 2011
Gwen, I can't even begin to imagine your pain. To lose a son and one who was so full of life and offered much to those around him is such a tragedy. You have my deepest sympathy and prayers that God will comfort you at this time.
December 2, 2011
We love you and Carson will live forever in our hearts.
May God's love comfort you at this time.
Charlene Evans and family
Jennifer Yould
December 2, 2011
It was an honor and pleasure to have known Carson for so many years. His beautiful smile and delightful nature enhanced the days when I saw him. My prayers and thoughts are with all of you at this sad time. God Bless.
December 2, 2011
Ron and Gwen, I'm here for you all. I cannot express my feelings to you, but my heartfelt goes deep with expressions of sympathy. Only GOD can take away the pain that you are enduring now.
God Bless
Showing 1 - 54 of 54 results
Make a Donation
in Carson Samples's name
Memorial Events
for Carson Samples
How to support Carson's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Carson Samples's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
