Louis "Red" Sams

Louis “Red” Sams died on June 19, 2026. He was born on October 18, 1932, in Monterey, Owen County, KY, to William Alfred Sams and Mary Frances (Smithers) Sams. He was a devoted son, husband, father, and grandfather. He was known for his honesty, indominable work ethic and determination. He was a provider, smart, and selfless. He was straightforward, said what he thought, and never met a stranger. Louis enlisted in the US Marines and served in combat in the Korean War. He was a survivor of intense ground fighting (The Punchbowl- 1951). He was a Life Member of the Howe Company-3rd Battelion-7th Marine Regiment-1st Division (H-3-7) Brotherhood of Survivors. During the war, he sent most of his military pay back home to care for his widowed mother and siblings. When he came home, he returned to Henry County, married and started a family. He was a farmer and a truck driver; demanding and exhausting jobs that he often juggled at the same time. Over the years, he enjoyed several military organizations including VFW-Frankfort # 4075, Marine Corp League, and participated in many Marine Reunions. Always Faithful, Semper Fi. He was a member of Masonic fraternities including the Wingate Masonic Lodge #161 in Simpsonville, the Shriners International – Kosair Shriners in Louisville and the Scottish Rite of the Freemasonry in Louisville. He was a member of the Teamsters Union Local 89. He was a member of the Orville Baptist Church in Orville, KY. After moving to Frankfort in 1988, he joined Evergreen Baptist Church. Louis was predeceased in death by his parents and all ten of his siblings. He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Lorena Hoskins Sams, of Frankfort. Surviving, also, are his children: Terry Sams (Anne) of Louisville, Joseph Sams of Frankfort, and Melinda “Wendy” Sams Warford (Mike) of Waddy. He was immensely proud of his grandchildren, Natalie Grayson Sams, Garrett Fonville Sams, William Terry Sams and step-grandchildren Brandon Warford (Katie) and Cameron Warford (Alexis). Louis spent the last 9 months at Thomson-Hood Veterans Center in Wilmore, KY. We appreciate the respectful and excellent care that he received there. Services will be held Tuesday, June 23rd at 12:00 p.m. at LeCompte Johnson Taylor Funeral Home. Brother Rick Simpson will officiate. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home and will run until service time. He will be laid to eternally rest with a military honors ceremony. Interment will be in the Pleasureville Cemetery, Pleasureville, KY. Lecompte Johnson Taylor Funeral Home in Frankfort, KY has been entrusted with his arrangements. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.ljtfuneralhome.com.

Louis "Red" Sams

October 18, 1932 - June 19, 2026