Sam Alvin Haden

Sam, Haden, born to Glen and Lucille Haden October 14, 1947, in Elk City, Oklahoma. Glen and Lucille moved to Cave Springs, Arkansas in 1948. Their family farm soon developed into a dairy operation. As soon as he was old enough, playing baseball was what he wanted to do. Many in town recognized Sam from a mile away just by the roar of his 58' Impala.

Sam met Joann in the old pool hall in 1964, in Cave Springs. If you ask her, it was love at first sight (whether he liked it or not). They then married March 16, 1965. Four beautiful babies followed shortly after they said, "I do." Raising 4 kids was not easy but he took pride in taking care of his family. Starting with opening his own tree service, to cattle and dairy, forestry, and poultry, he was a man who wore many hats. Sam had his faults, but no one could ever say he wasn't a hard worker. Rough hands and faded jeans were a part of who he was. Through it all, he still came home and made time for his family. Card games, campfires, fishing trips, hunting and so much more.

After the kids were grown, somewhere around 1971, he found a love for Colorado. Packing the trailer down like the old west and heading to the mountains. Sam made that trip as often as he could.

Sam welcomed his first grandchild in 1993. Being a grandpa came naturally to him. Being ornery and telling stories of the good ol days was his favorite. You didn't come to see papa without bringing something sweet to snack on. He taught all his grandkids to hunt, fish, and maybe even a thing or two about poker.

Sam lived a very full life. Cherish the lessons he taught you and the jokes that he shared. He may have not said it often, but he loved his family so very much. Especially his beloved wife Joann of 60 years, his children; Tina, Allen, Rocky, and Casey; their spouses; his grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Some say he had 9 lives… some say, he was a medical miracle… All I know, is he was my papa. He will continue to look over us all, while sharing a Mt. Dew with the angels. Written with love by his granddaughter, Lydia.