Samuel Lavern Gamboe

Samuel Gamboe passed on November 13, 2025 unexpectedly. He was visiting family in Columbia South Carolina and suddenly became ill. He was surrounded by loving family when he left this Earth for his home in Heaven.

Sam Gamboe was the very definition of a life well lived. He loved God, his family, and helping others.

Samuel Lavern Gamboe was born on July 21, 1942 in Tecumseh, Michigan to Maurice and Elizabeth Gamboe. He was the fourth of five children. Sam lived and worked on the farm, telling a story how he once crashed the tractor he was driving at 4 years old. Sam had various jobs starting from a young age, he was expected to help with the family farm and later 2nd hand store then mattress factory.

When Sam was 7, the family moved to Prescott, Arizona. Sam became a paperboy at age 11 but also drove the company truck to the post office. This continued for quite some time before a supervisor found out. At ages 12-15 Sam had his own business of repairing radios and building antennas. From 14-16 years he worked at a Union 76 gas station. He started at the gas pump, but was soon replacing brakes and overhauling engines.

In 1960 Sam's family moved to Grand Junction, Colorado, he was 17. His parents bought a motel and Sam's room was in the office, checking in guests at all hours. At 18, Sam ran an ice-cream truck during the summer, Dairy Dan. He also worked at another gas station and cleaned homes & yards for landlords. In 1962 he worked for his family's business at the mattress factory and upholstery shop, at the Coca-Cola bottling plant, and was a draftsman for a steel company. At age 19 until he retired at age 54, he worked for the Colorado Department of Highways.

He worked various positions as a surveyor, draftsman, and his final position was a right of way engineer.

In 1962 while attending Grand Junction Assembly of God, Sam met Loretta Maxwell. Sam and Loretta were married on January 11, 1963. Sam and Loretta went on to have three children, LaVada, Laurie & Bruce. A loving family there was always fun & laughter. Sam was an amazing Dad, he loved to surprise the kids, always saying, " we're going to see a man about a dog." He bought them a homemade ATV. He packed inner tubes and pulled the kids behind the family car in the snow. He taught all his kids how to ride motorcycles and bought them all one of their own. There were many road trips to see family, Sam would make them beds in the back of the station wagon and would record special tapes for the kids to listen to on the long rides. Always a prankster and with a great sense of humor he was always telling jokes or playing jokes on the family.

Sam & Loretta both had a strong belief in God and raised their children at Abundant Life Christian Center in Arvada, Colorado from 1972-1984. The Gamboe family were very active in the church. Sam & Loretta sung in choir, Generation Gap musical group and various church productions. Sam was a Deacon and Loretta the bookkeeper. They had a loving church family and many wonderful friends. On July 21, 1984 Loretta succumbed to a 8-year battle with Leukemia.

On July 25, 1985 Sam married Pat. Pat brought with her 3 sons, a total of 6 kids and blending a family, everyone was always referred to as "our" kids. Sam & Pat were fortunate enough to retire in 1995. They bought an RV and joined Servants On Wheels Ever Ready- "Sowers" organization. They traveled the U.S. and volunteered their time and skills helping others. Their various projects would take them all over the U.S. They always made sure that they would work a project near one their 6 kids, visiting the kids & grandchildren in various locations often. They also took missionary trips to Mexico. They ended up visiting all 50 U.S. states.

Sam & Pat traveled in RVs for 17 years before they retired in 2013 and settled in Leesburg, Florida. Soon after moving to Florida, they helped found & build Celebration Baptist Church. Sam built a beautiful cross that hangs in the church and is a reminder of his faith and dedication. He and Pat have made many wonderful friends and they were always willing to help anyone in need.

Sam may be best known for his sense of humor, his quick wit, and endless supply of jokes that brought endless smiles to his family, friends and strangers. Sam was a performer and had a beautiful singing voice. He was known to break out into song anytime & anywhere. He serenaded all of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren with sweet songs. He had a lead role in a play in 2023! He went bungie jumping with his son-in-law Kent and was always up for an adventure, be it indoor skydiving, soaring in a glider or exploring a dark hidden cellar. Sam loved the Denver Broncos, although some seasons more than others. He and his friend Dick Tasa shared season tickets for 30 years.

The loss of Sam will leave a large hole in his family and community. But we all can celebrate for him knowing that he is enjoying Heaven and waiting for us all.

Sam is survived by his loving wife Pat, his children Lavada (Kent), Laurie, Brian, Dan (Sallie), Bruce, (Lori), Grandchildren Ryan (Kathryn), Samantha (Drew), Haleigh (Zachary), Emilyann (Jake), Loretta, Henry, Eric (Bonnie), Maleah & Samuel. His Great-grandchildren James, Ella, Mille, Abel & Henry. Also, his dear sister Velma (Ken) and many loving nieces, nephews & cousins.

He is preceded in death by his parents Maurice & Elizabeth Gamboe, his siblings Fred, Martha, & Clyde. His first wife Loretta and his son Keith.

Burial will be private.

His Celebration of Life will be Sunday December 7 at 2pm at Celebration Baptist Church 25327 US Highway 27 suite 101 Leesburg, Fl 34748

Services will also be live streamed live on youtube @ Celebration Baptist Church of Leesburg

Donations may be sent to Celebration Baptist Church

Arrangements entrusted to Beyers Funeral Home of Leesburg, Florida.