Sam was born on February 13, 1931 in Vinita, OK. He passed away on April 13, 2017 in Bothell, WA.

As a boy, Sam worked on his father’s ranches. In his early teens, he was given the job of foreman and later, he became a partner. The ranch was his training ground for future leadership.

In the 1950’s, Sam committed his life to Jesus Christ and felt a calling to the ministry. He attended Oklahoma Baptist University and while there, he met the love of his life, Donna Lee Jones. After marriage and graduation, Sam continued ranching and pastored at Calvary Baptist Church.

His love for people and the gospel of Jesus directed his life. When given the opportunity to pastor at Victory Baptist Church in Bellingham, WA, he left his life of ranching, packed up his family, and moved to the Pacific Northwest.

Three years later, they moved to Bothell, WA. There he pastored at First Baptist Church of Bothell for the next 28 years. During that time, he also began ministering to pastors in Eastern Europe. He continued this important mission work throughout his retirement.

Sam is survived by Donna (Jones) Friend, his loving wife of 59 years and his children, Rauk & Anita, Robin & Tom, and Joe & Karen, his 14 grandchildren, and 20 great-grandchildren.

The memorial service will be at CrossPointe Church in Bothell on May 6th at 2 p.m.