Wallace Henderson "Rusty" Sample

1927 - 2026

Wallace "Rusty" Henderson Sample passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 98 years of age. A Memorial Service will be held at 2 pm Saturday, February 21 at First Baptist Church in Waco with Pastor Matt Snowden officiating.

Rusty was born in Waco, Texas on March 17, 1927 to Dell Sample and the former Mary Elizabeth Hope. He, along with his brother Jim and sister Beth, attended Waco Public Schools. While a student in Waco High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served in the South Pacific during World War II. Rusty was very patriotic and proud of his service in the Navy. His ship was in Tokyo Bay as part of the 7th Fleet accompanying the Missouri when the Japanese officially surrendered. Rusty's ship also was in the operating fleet for the forthcoming atomic bomb tests in the Pacific, Operation Crossroads, when he received his discharge notice. He returned to Waco, finished high school and graduated from Baylor University with a Business Degree in 1952.

Following employment with two oilfield service companies early in his career, Rusty went to work for the Halliburton Company in Dallas where he remained until his retirement in 1991. He greatly enjoyed his work in the oil and gas industry and went to work every day a happy man. His customers and his fellow employees were special to him. Many of them became his lifelong friends. As the years went by, Rusty became active in several organizations. Although he was neither an engineer nor a geologist, he served as president of the Engineers Club of Dallas as well as on the Board of the Energy Club. He was a longtime member of NOMADS, a professional organization in the energy business. Following his retirement from Halliburton, he enjoyed doing curative title work for Bob Sample & Associates, his son's company.

In 1953, Rusty married Martha Ann Smith of Nevada, Texas. They ultimately made their home in Garland. They became the proud parents of three boys, Bob, Gary and David. Those were happy years with the boys and their activities, sports and friends. Rusty served as president of the Garland Little League. He often talked about the special visits with each of the sons as he helped them work on their cars or ride along on their paper routes. Family camping trips were always a favorite memory for Rusty. When Martha unexpectedly passed away at age 45, the boys were almost grown, Rusty and his sons lived together for s few more years as they all learned to live without their mother. Grief was to follow years later when Bob passed away in 2013 and Gary died in 2024.

In 1984, Rusty married Carole Peters Allen of Waco and she and her daughter Claire were welcomed into the family. Rusty and Carole have been happily married for 42 wonderful years. Those years have also brought the joy of grandchildren and great-grandchildren as the family has grown. Following his retirement, they moved back to Waco and enjoyed renewing old friendships and making new friends as well.

Rusty's life has been built around faith, family and friends. Carole and Rusty were members of Park Cities Baptist Church where he served as a greeter every Sunday morning for years, served in the Stephen Ministry and was a member of the Floyd's Faithfuls Sunday School Class. After returning to Waco, they joined First Baptist Church, where he has served in the In-home Ministry and been a member of the McCall and Patterson Sunday School Classes. Rusty recently remarked that God has been with him all the way and expressed his gratitude for God's blessings during good times and sad times. He will be remembered always for his kindness and his sense of humor.

Rusty was preceded in death by his first wife Martha, his son Bob Sample, his son Gary Sample, his sister Beth Appell and husband Johnny and his brother Jim Sample.

Rusty is survived by his loving wife Carole, his son David Sample, Carole's daughter Claire Moore; daughter-in-law Glenda Sample; grandchildren Travis Sample and wife Andrea, Justin Sample, and Meredith Aldriedge and husband Steven; great-grandchildren Graham Sample, Pierce Sample, Nina Sample; and Violet Aldriedge. He is also survived by niece Suzanne Appell, nephew John Roland Appell.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church Waco or to a charity of your choice.