J.D. Sampley

Funeral services for J.D. Sampley will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at Verdigris Assembly of God. Burial will follow at Oakhaven Cemetery in Claremore.

J.D. Sampley passed away on Friday, July 24, 2026, at the age of 95.

J.D. was born on January 4, 1931, in Alix, Arkansas, to John and Opal (Yother) Sampley. He was raised on the family farm in Arkansas, where he developed the strong work ethic and determination that would characterize his entire life.

As a young man, J.D. joined the Army National Guard and was later called to active duty during the Korean War. He proudly served his country, attaining the rank of Sergeant, and was awarded the Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars for his honorable service. Following his discharge in April of 1952, J.D. returned home and reunited with Joann Hurt, whom he had known previously. The two were married on May 19, 1952, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, beginning a marriage filled with love and devotion.

Throughout his career, J.D. worked for Tulsa Rock before joining McElroy Steel, which later became Caterpillar. Through years of dedication and hard work, he advanced to become the supervisor of the track department. In 1975, J.D. and his family moved to Verdigris to be closer to their daughter, where he continued to build a life centered around faith, family, and service.

J.D. was not one to sit still. Even into his 90s, he remained active and continued working. He enjoyed electronics, was an avid ham radio operator, and could often be found tinkering with radios and equipment. His curiosity, ingenuity, and willingness to help others made him a valued friend and neighbor.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Opal Sampley; his beloved wife, Joann Sampley; his son, David Sampley; and his siblings, Elizabeth Osborn, Ernest Sampley, Gladys Jones, and Henry Sampley.

J.D. is survived by his children, Janet Wray; Fred Sampley and wife, Marilyn; and Doug Sampley and wife, Cheri; and david's wife , Linda Sampley. He also leaves behind 13 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren, with one more expected; three great-great-grandchildren, with one more expected; his sister, Frances Iles; his brother, Frank Sampley; along with many other relatives and friends who will cherish his memory, and on behalf of the entire family, Fred and Doug would like to thank Janet for her loving and sacrificial care for their Dad over the past seven years.