Robert Sam Sampson, age 80, of Brookings, died Monday, July 25, 2005, at Brookview Manor in Brookings. Memorial services will be 2:00 P.M. Friday, July 29, 2005, at Eidsness Funeral Home in Brookings. Visitations will be at the funeral home from 5-8 P.M. Thursday. Memorials may be sent directly to the Robert Sampson Jackrabbit Guarantee Scholarship at the SDSU Foundation, Box 525, Brookings, SD 57007-0499. Robert S. Sampson was born April 1, 1925, at Lemmon, South Dakota, to Oscar and Georgia (Lull) Sampson. He attended and graduated from Lemmon High School in 1943, where he lettered in football and basketball, and was active in music and drama. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy following graduation, and served in the Pacific during World War II aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise. He wore 13 major battle stars. Following his discharge in April 1946 he enrolled at South Dakota State and graduated in 1951. He taught in Lake Norden and became the assistant county extension agent of Spink County in 1953. He later became the county agent and retired in 1982. The 4-H program was very active and his 4-H judging teams received many honors, trophies, and recognition. He also was involved with successful farm programs. He was instrumental in building the 4-H grounds in Redfield and the rural water system. He received many honors and recognition for his activities in farm, 4-H, FFA, community, and civic involvement. He received the Distinguished County Agent award at the National Association of County Agents convention in Richmond, Virginia, in 1976. After his retirement from the South Dakota Extension Service, Robert worked as an adviser for the South Dakota Department of Agriculture, the National Sunflower Association, and the Aberdeen American News ag section. He enjoyed people, his town, and traveling. He and his wife, Beverly, moved to Brookings in 1989, and spent winters in Mesa, Arizona for the past 19 years. He liked to swim, golf, tell stories, and served as an emcee for many groups. He and Beverly traveled to Europe, Israel, Greece, Egypt, and throughout the United States. Robert and his grandson, Chad, who was also in the Navy for four years, enjoyed sharing naval stories. He was a member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Golden K. Kiwanis, the National Association of Retired Federal Employees, the U.S.S. Enterprise Association, and the SDSU Alumni Association. Survivors include his wife, Beverly Sampson, of Brookings; a daughter, Deborah (Doug) Bentz, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; a grandson, Chad Bentz, of Sioux Falls; a brother-in-law, Howard (Marge) Haberman, of Mesa, Arizona; and a sister-in-law, Doris (Wayne) Gladstone of Richland, Washington. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Harlan and Norman; and a sister, Marjorie Williamson. Roberts family expresses their thanks for your presence and support.