OBITUARY: Samuel D. “Mr. Sam” Gillaspy

Samuel D. “Mr. Sam” Gillaspy, 99, passed away on August 19, 2026, from congestive heart failure. Born in Binger, Oklahoma, on March 24, 1927, he graduated from Central High School in 1945 and lived a remarkable life defined by service, hard work, friendship, and an extraordinary love of people.

In many ways, Mr. Sam was the face of the historic Arcadia Round Barn. For more than twenty years, he brought the barn’s history to life with his signature cowboy hat and boots, infectious smile, boundless energy, and gift for making everyone feel welcome. Every Monday morning was his volunteer day, and as a dedicated docent and President Emeritus of the Arcadia Historical & Preservation Society, he shared the stories of the Round Barn, the Arcadia community, and Route 66 with visitors from around the world.

A natural storyteller and passionate volunteer, Mr. Sam became one of the Round Barn’s most beloved ambassadors. Television stations and newspapers frequently interviewed him, but his greatest joy was meeting people face-to-face, sharing a colorful story, and making new friends. Visitors who made their way upstairs to the barn’s famous wooden dance floor might even find themselves dancing the Texas Two-Step or waltz with Mr. Sam. He always had another story to tell, often accompanied by a little humor and a twinkle in his eye.

His love of sharing history and bringing people together extended well beyond the Round Barn to his Rock of Ages Farm, three miles east of Arcadia. For nearly forty years, he welcomed thousands of visitors to the farm for tours, fellowship, hayrides, and unforgettable adventures. Whether at the farm or the barn, Mr. Sam had a special way of turning an ordinary visit into a lasting memory.

A proud member of the Greatest Generation, Mr. Sam enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at 17 and served during World War II. Following the war, he began a forty-year career with the Dolese Company. Along the way, he raised a family, farmed, volunteered, and devoted much of his life to helping others and serving his community.

Mr. Sam married Betty Covington in 1948, and they shared a life together until her passing in 1969 at the age of 43. He later married Martha Futrell, who remained his loving life partner until her passing in 2015. In his later years, Jeannie Vollmer became his steady companion and dance partner, sharing in his love of music, friendship, and life.

Even well into his nineties, Mr. Sam continued to visit the Round Barn, greet old friends and welcome new visitors, share stories, and occasionally take to the dance floor upstairs. His enthusiasm for life and genuine interest in others never diminished. He was a familiar and cherished presence whose warmth, humor, and hospitality left an impression on everyone fortunate enough to meet him.

Mr. Sam is survived by his loving daughters, Rita Thiel and Cynthia Provenzano, along with other family members.

His passing marks the loss of a truly special individual whose life touched thousands of people. His legacy is woven into the history of the Arcadia Round Barn, the community he loved, and the countless friendships he made along Route 66. Though he will be deeply missed, his stories will live on, his laughter will be remembered, and his spirit will live on wherever people gather to share a story, lend a helping hand, or take a turn on the dance floor.

A Celebration of Life for Mr. Sam Gillaspy will be held at the Arcadia Round Barn on Saturday, November 7, 2026. Friends and family are invited to gather at 3:30 p.m. for an informal celebration and to share their favorite stories and memories of Mr. Sam. Sandwiches and cookies will be served at 5:00 p.m., followed by the 3rd Annual Mr. Sam Barn Dance at 5:30 p.m., featuring live music in the Round Barn loft.

In true Mr. Sam fashion, the celebration will be a chance to remember a life well lived, reconnect with friends, share a few stories, and perhaps dance in his honor.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Arcadia Round Barn in memory of Mr. Sam at www.arcadiaroundbarn.com.

A “Celebration of Life” will be held on Saturday, Nov. 7th at 3:30 p.m. at the Round Barn, with the “Third Annual Mr. Sam’s Barn Dance” to follow at 5:30 p.m.