Gary Sampsell

1946 - 2025

Gary William Sampsell, 79, of Lawton, MI, passed away peacefully on Sept. 15, 2025. He was born in Paw Paw, MI, on Jan. 16, 1946, to Warren and Dorothy Sampsell.
Gary was a devoted member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church, Lawton, and an active part of the Lawton community. He served on the Lawton Heritage Museum Board, was a proud member of the Lawton Lions Club where he received the Melvin Jones Award and volunteered at the Lakeview Community Thrift Store, Paw Paw. Wherever Barbara volunteered, Gary was by her side, lending his hands and his heart. His service extended beyond his community, as he proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.
After 37 years with General Motors, Gary retired. Only to begin another career with the Van Buren Intermediate School District, Lawrence, where he worked for seven more years. But Gary never really retired because his greatest work was always in serving others.
Gary was also deeply passionate about photography. For years, he captured memories for Lawton Community Schools, his alma mater, producing the infamous "Senior Video" for many graduating classes and ensuring every student was included. He also filmed countless weddings, preserving joyful moments for families across the community.
He was a man of simple pleasures and unique loves: cherry pie, the Fergie, his cell phone, the color red, the Checkmate, radios, James Bond, the Maize n' Blue, and of course, the Detroit Lions and Tigers. But above all, he loved his Barbara.
On October 29, 1966, Gary married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Sanborn. Together, they shared 58 wonderful years, filled with love, laughter, and countless gatherings with family and friends at their cherished Bankson Lake home.
Gary and Barbara raised three children, Michael (Paula) Sampsell, Amy (Jeremy) Drobeck, and Sarah (Travis) Mason. He was a proud and loving grandfather to Kayla, Jeremy, Hailey, Shaun, Cora, and Davis, five step-grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. Above all, Gary was devoted to his family.
To know Gary was to know someone who always showed up, who always cared, who always made you feel included. His life was a steady reminder that true greatness lies not in what we keep for ourselves, but in what we give away to others.
He is survived by his brother, Ronald (Carol) Sampsell; brothers-in-law, Phil Sanborn, Jim (Kathy) Sanborn, and David (Connie) Sanborn.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Ken; and his in-laws, Myron and Maxine Sanborn.
Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Paul's United Methodist Church or the Lawton Lions Club. Family and friends are invited to gather on Saturday, Oct. 11, from 10 a.m. to noon at The Old Winery (Lawton Community Center), 646 N. Nursery St., Lawton, MI. A memorial service will begin at noon. with Pastors Ashlei Horn and Patti Haas officiating. A luncheon will follow.
Share a memory or sign the online guestbook at: adamspawpaw.com