Vernon Ray Samson

July 25, 1941 - March 24, 2022

Vernon Ray Samson, 80 years old of Torrington Wyoming, passed away on Thursday March 24th 2022 at the South Dakota State Veteran's Home in Hot Springs South Dakota. Vern was born July 25th 1941 to Emmett Samson and Pauline Mathews in Torrington Wyoming. Vern was raised and received his education in the Torrington, Fort Laramie, Lingle and Sunrise area. Following his graduation from Guernsey High School in 1959 he enlisted in the Wyoming Army National Guard in Wheatland Wyoming where he gave 6 years of service to our country. While in the Guard, Vern was awarded the Expert Medal for the M1 rifle, and was also awarded the State Medal for 5 years of service, he received his honorable discharge in April 1965. Vern started work as a miner for CF&I Steel in Sunrise Wyoming in January 1966, also in December of that same year he married the Love of his life Sharron Wright whom he met 2 years prior during a league bowling night in Casper Wyoming. Together he and Sharron had 2 sons, Shane Samson of Rapid City South Dakota and Tony Samson of Guernsey Wyoming. Vern spent 14 1/2 years working at Sunrise until it closed in 1980. Vern then worked as a bartender at various locations around Torrington, before becoming The Elk's Lodge manager in 1992, after leaving that job in 2000 he held positions at The Kings Inn Motel, and at Holly Sugar, before finally retiring in 2005 due to health issues. Vern then became a resident at Bell Park Towers in Torrington where he got to stay close to his many friends. Vern especially enjoyed going to the Moose Lodge where his best friend Dave Hauge would play karaoke music for him to sing. Vern was an avid Broncos fan, and loved watching Rockies baseball as well as Wyoming Cowboy Football. Vern was an active member of the Torrington Elk's Lodge, the Moose Lodge and the American Legion. In 2021 Vern's health declined and he moved to South Dakota where he was admitted to the State Veteran's Home in Hot Springs. Vern is survived by both his sons and 5 Grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Sharron, and 1 sister Connie Samson of Cheyenne Wyoming. A visitation will occur at Colyer Funeral Home Tuesday March 29th, from 3-5 pm. A funeral will be held at the Colyer Funeral Home chapel Wednesday March 30th at 10 am, with internment at Valley View Cemetery. All are invited to a reception at the Torrington Elks Lodge for food and drinks thereafter.