Clifford “Cliff” Sams, 101, father of Ohio Academy of Family Physicians Past President Sarah Sams, MD, FAAFP, and longtime farmer of rural Beaman, IA, passed away in the early morning of December 20, 2021, at the Iowa River Hospice House in Marshalltown, IA.
To honor the wishes of Cliff and his family, cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial was held on December 29, 2021, with Reverend Kim Wilson officiating at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home. Interment followed at the Vienna Cemetery in rural Beaman with full military honors provided by the combined VFW/American Legion Honor Guard of the surrounding area. The memorial service can be viewed online.
Born Clifford C. Sams on November 14, 1920, in rural southeast Iowa, he was one of six sons born to Burt and Vesta (Wilkins) Sams. After graduating from Marshalltown High School in 1939, he went on to obtain his Herdsman certification from Iowa State University. In 1942 Cliff enlisted in the United States Army and served honorably during WWII.
Upon Cliff’s return, he continued his work on the family farm. Together they raised prize-winning Jerseys until 1966 when the difficult decision was made to disperse the herd. Hardworking and dedicated, Cliff was a farmer both by trade and hobby. He raised hogs, kept goats and enjoyed all things horticulture, including beekeeping and gardening, especially his flowers. He was a member of the Iowa Cattlemen Association, the Iowa Pork Producers Association, the Farm Bureau, and the Toastmasters. Cliff was also the oldest living Pioneer seed corn grower for the Toledo, OH, plant.
The only thing more important to Cliff than farming was his family. In 1943, while in the Army, he wed June Maxheimer. Their son, Paul was born after Cliff’s military service. In 1960, he married Wilma Bauerle Johnson and a blended family was formed with Judy and Brad. Two daughters, Beth and Sarah, were born in the ensuing years to complete the family. Cliff and Wilma celebrated 58 years together before her passing in 2018. Cliff lived a long, full life, leaving a legacy of hard work and integrity to his five children and their families.
Those left to cherish his memory are his children: Judy (Arnie) Sohn, Paul (Cheryl) Sams, Brad (Jeanne) Johnson, Beth (John) Elshoff, and Sarah Sams; 10 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren; his brother, John Sams; brother-in-law, Merwin (Dorothy) Bauerle; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In eternal life, he is reunited with his beloved wife of 58 years, Wilma; his parents; four brothers; and other family.
The Iowa River Hospice, Oakview Estates of Conrad, and the Iowa Honor Flight will benefit from memorial contributions. For further information or to send Clifford’s family a condolence, please visit the Mitchell Family Funeral Home website.
The OAFP has made a memorial gift in his memory to the OAFP Foundation.
I’ve always believed in the truth of the old adage “It’s better to wear out than to rust out” , and it appears that, not only did Cliff Sams live by that philosophy, but he apparently passed it on successfully to his heirs. I am grateful for the benefits the world received because of his presence, and imagine things won’t be the same in heaven after his arrival.