Samuel Armstrong

BENJAMIN FUNERAL SERVICE NOWATA, OKLAHOMA 918-273-2700...

Samuel Leo Armstrong, 81, of Grove, Oklahoma and former Nowata resident, passed away Saturday afternoon, September 19, 2020 at Mercy Hospital, Joplin, Missouri.

Sam was born August 9, 1939 at Nowata, Oklahoma to Leo Bennett “Bennie” Armstrong and Grace Evelyn (Head) Armstrong. He grew up in Nowata and was a graduate of Nowata High School.  After graduation, Sam enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving most of his four years at Little Rock Air Force Base in Jacksonville, Arkansas.  He was Honorably Discharged from active duty but remained in the Air Force Reserve until 1966. Sam married Shirley Evatt at Jacksonville on July 21, 1961.  The couple moved to Nowata and Sam began work as an accountant for Cities Service.  The Armstrong's moved to the Tulsa area and in between working and coaching Little League baseball, Sam finished his Bachelor’s degree at the University of Tulsa.  In 1977, the family moved to Mustang, Oklahoma and in 1982, Cities Service became Occidental Petroleum from which Sam would retire in 1994.  Upon retirement, Sam and Shirley moved to Claremore and later, to Grove.

He was a member of the Armstrong Community Church and loved the outdoors.  Sam loved hunting, fishing, and coaching his boys when they were young.

Survivors include his wife, Shirley of the home; sons, Lee Armstrong and his wife, Deanne of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma and Bob Armstrong and his wife, Diane of Rome Georgia; one brother, Bob Armstrong and his wife, Dee of Nowata; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; other relatives and many friends.  Sam was preceded in death his parents, Bennie and Grace Armstrong.

Graveside services will be 10 a.m., Thursday, September 24, 2020 at Relocated Cemetery, south of Nowata, with Rev. Randy Dyer officiating.  Service and interment are under the direction of Benjamin Funeral Service of Nowata. Graveside military rites will be accorded Mr. Armstrong courtesy of Grove Veterans Ritual Team.  Visitation will be Wednesday, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. with family receiving guest from 7-8 pm.  To leave an online condolence, visit www.honoringmemories.com.