Samuel Ira Shreve, 86, passed away on July 12, 2018, from complications after back surgery. He was surrounded by his loving family.
While there are no words that would do this great man justice, we as a family, are going to try to put into words some information about Sam, his life, and his accomplishments.
Sam was born in Farmington, Arkansas on July 27, 1931, to Samuel Henry Shreve and Gladys Anglin. Sam’s family moved to Arizona when he was about 5 years old. The family lived in Gilbert or surrounding areas for many years helping farmers in the area to grow crops. At a young age, Sam farmed a piece of land that a neighbor gave him where he raised many, many chickens. When he decided to enlist in the United States Air Force, he had 100 fryers that he sold to Bashas’ grocers.
The family gave him the nickname of “Bud”. His Gilbert High School friends knew him as “Ira” which is his middle name. The military of course used the first name of “Samuel”. He excelled in all high school sports and carried his love for baseball into the military where he was a pitcher at most of the bases where he and his family lived. In the Air Force, Sam specialized in the areas of Cryptology and Communications. He retired in 1972 after 21 years of service.
Sam married his high school sweetheart, Alene Farnsworth who unexpectedly passed away in 1973. Their two children are Michael Ira Shreve (Melissa), and Sue Ellen Angle (Chris).
Sam married Leona Flake Hayes in 1978 five years after the passing of her husband, Max Hayes. Her seven children instantly became his family as he did not believe in the term of “stepchildren” and he was an amazing father. All nine children are presently living – Sheri Russon (Tom), Linda Pomper (Ray), Jolaine Chatham (Bruce), Karen Johnston (Max), Eileen Hayes, Royd Hayes (Nicole) and Alan Hayes.
Sam’s second career as a Transportation Foreman was with the Gilbert School District. He built lasting friendships with many people that worked in the district and was endeared by all. After Sam and Leona both retired from Gilbert School District, they pursued travel for work, for pleasure, and for volunteer efforts. Some of these assignments were in Grenada, West Indies, Guyana, South America, Palestine West Bank and two extended months in Malawi, Africa with the Department of Health assisting in Humanitarian Efforts.
He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Leona, nine children and spouses, 32 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, his brother, Norman Shreve, and countless friends. Sam was a devoted husband, father, and friend. He was loved by many and will be greatly missed.
Services will be held Saturday, July 21, 2018, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints / Emerald Bay Ward at 1483 N. Driftwood in Gilbert, AZ. Visitation will be at 9:00 a.m. Services will follow at 10:00 a.m. Burial will take place at Mesa Cemetery with Military Honors. Arrangements are being handled by Bunker Mortuary, 33 N Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ.
Sam, Thanks for all the years of love and support in my own military career. You and Leona have been mentors and full of love for me and my family. We(I) am going to miss you. See you on the other side. Love Eric Flake and Family
Leona, you and Sam have meant so much to me for most of my adult life–and that is a long time. I will always cherish his kindness and his total support of you in everything you did. I am so glad we got to have lunch recently and that you and he made it to Dave’s and my wedding. Love you dearly. Sheila
My deepest sympathy Loena, my thoughts and prayers is with you and your family,,,
P.S. Let me know if there is anything I can do.
💞 mirasol
I am far away in miles but close in heart. He was such a good friend I came to know through my association with Leona. Please know my thoughts and prayers are and will continue to be with you. My prayer is that you will find comfort and peace in the love that surrounds you both seen and unseen. I send my love! Lavona Areghini
Uncle Sam was a great man, so friendly, personable, and kind. In a word, he was pleasant. To us, he is like a rock in the swirling stream of life, firm in who he is, and confident in reaching out to serve others.
Uncle Sam and Aunt Leona were such a great team. Together, they changed the world, one piece at a time. We feel confident that he will continue from a new sphere to reach out to us the way he has always done.
Aunt Leona and family, we are so sorry for your loss. We love Uncle Sam and you all. May you find comfort and peace at this time.
Leona, you and Sam made such a wonderful impression on me during your time in Guyana. Yours is a true love story! My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Leona
Because I am presently in Canada for the summer and will not be abke to attend Sam’s funeral I wanted to share the following:
Sam lived a long and fruitful life. Sam’s contributions to his work, his Church, and community have made this world a better place. Sam has also left a positive legacy through his accomplishments and his family. I will remember Sam because of his service, his commitment and his sense of humor. All the best to you and the rest of Sam’s family.
Uncle Sam was so pleasant to be around. He had a generous, friendly, service-oriented heart. We feel blessed for the many family dinners he hosted that we enjoyed so much. He was a wonderful father to a large family. What a blessing he has been in the lives of so many!
I remember years ago when Uncle Sam joined our family and I saw how happy Aunt Leona was. He was a ray of sunshine to that beautiful family for many many years. He has touched many many lives over the year and his love and influence will be felt for many years to come. My heart hurts for those who have to be separated from him for a time.
Sam Shreve…what a guy! He was kind, giving and fun to be with. Sam always had a nice smile and a twinkle in his eye. We have never had neighbors more giving and kind than Sam and Leona. They didn’t just talk about doing things in life…they got out and did it and traveled there. They packed a whole heap of living in their years together. Mexican food without Sam will just not be ‘quite as spicy’. But…we look forward to many more pleasant times with Leona. Miss ya Sam…we will love and stay close to Leona.
What a blessing it’s been to have known Sam so many years. Such a kind man! My thoughts and prayers are with all those who are grieving his passing. May you feel the comforting arms of the Savior around you during this difficult time.
What a beautiful remembrance of an incredible man. I was so lucky to have known Sam and to have been able to spend time with him. I will especially remember the many trips and adventures that we had around the world! Sam always had a huge smile on his face and a heart of gold! I will miss him dearly but look forward to seeing him again someday.
To Leona and family
We will certainly miss Sam. Forty years of a true and abiding friendship that took us together to six continents, the beginning of our family, and a wonderful working relationship that will go down as one in a million, and can’t be replicated! We have always treasured our times together, especially in our travels. And our Duncan connections were icing on the cake. Find peace in that he was a good man – generous, kind, caring, and true – and know that we are forever grateful that all of you have been in our lives.
We are deeply saddened by the news of Sam’s passing. Please accept our condolences.
Dr. Shreve (Leona), we have wonderful memories of you and Sam shared with us, under the Caribbean sun and indeed we have been blessed by your friendship. May the Lord comfort you and your family, care for you and grant you His peace. In love and friendship
Leona, you and Sam are a unique couple. The two of you have lived a life of a perfect mixture of fun and service. We all have memories of many, many years of love and laughter with you two. Liz and I cherish the many memories of knowing and being with the two of you in may settings. We pray for peace to be with you and the comfort of knowing the network of friends and family who will always be close to share many more years of the laughs and memories that go back many years. What a man! We will truly miss him.
Dear Leona and Family, Sam was a wonderful man who will greatly be missed. May you find peace.
Dear Leona we sorry for your loss, and will keep you and your family in our prayers.
Leona, Don and I are touched by the life you and Sam shared. Your time with him has been a tremendous blessing in your life as it was with him. We pray that your fond memories of the love you had for each other will comfort you over the next several weeks as you and your family give one another support during this difficult time. Our love, thoughts and prayers are with you.
So sorry to hear of Sam’s passing. The two of you brought so much joy to each other and to those around you. Memories of all those things you did together and all those the two of you influenced and helped will grow dearer and dearer
Leona, we are so sorry to hear of your great loss. We are so grateful for everything you have done for us and pray the Lord will comfort your heart during this difficult time.
Sam has been my brother and dear friend for 40 years. I love and admire him. We will miss him and go on knowing that cherished relationships will be eternal. Our prayers and love are for my dear sister Leona and the entire family.
Leona, I am very sorry I could not be there in person to give you my condolences, though I am far way ,Know that my spirit and prayers are with you. We love you and we will always remember Sam with a big smile.
We are deeply saddened by your husband’s passing. May you have the strength to carry on with his memory and continue to do good as you always have done. Bless you with all the blessings that you need.
I just heard about Sam’s passing. I’m so sorry, Leona. I hope you remember that Jean Grierson and I rented your house in Ajo. You and Sam we very good to us, and I was so lucky to have worked for you. Miss you! Jan
Leona, I’m so sorry for your loss. I always remember Sam’s bright smile and wonderful kindness to the Patterson teachers. You both have touched so many lives in such positive ways and I send my prayers for your comfort and peace.
It has been almost a year, and yet I miss my dad every day! Sam was truly a “pull yourself up by the bootstraps” man and I can not forget how generous and kind he was. I miss him. I will always miss him. I love you so much, dad!