Samuel Alva Milholland

Samuel Alva Milholland, 79, passed away on February 8, 2022 in Port Charlotte, FL. He was born on November 29, 1942, in Kansas City, MO. He is preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Anna Mae (Haynie) Milholland. He is survived by the love of his life of 38 years, Gayle Lohmeyer of Overland Park, KS and his three children, Joanna Milholland of Pittsburgh, PA, John (Kelli) Milholland of Cameron, MO, and Jill (Kevin) Carter of Independence, MO, 11 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

Sam was known for his sense of humor as well as his love of traveling, nature, golf, camping and the Kansas City Chiefs. He loved to tell stories and attempted to restrain himself from laughing at his own jokes. His children and grandchildren fondly remember him teaching them how to cast a line, pitch a tent, put a spin on a football, and play uproarious card games. His kids have lasting memories of hunting for seashells on the beach, fossils and rocks in the mountains of Colorado and finding the best fishing spot on a quiet lake.

Sam graduated from William Chrisman High School, class of 1961 and also from Warrensburg State Teacher’s College in 1965 (now called UCM). After taking retirement as a computer programmer from Sprint, he and Gayle spent many hours relaxing at their lake property in Shell Knob, MO  and eventually became snowbirds living part time at Lettuce Lake Travel Resort in Arcadia FL for the last 12 years. Sam and Gayle enjoyed yearly excursions to Estes Park, Colorado to see the Aspens changing colors in the Fall.

Friends gathered in Lettuce Lake FL for a celebration of Life to remember him. His family is having a private graveside service in Kansas to commemorate his love and presence in their lives. He is greatly missed by all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to your favorite animal/nature charity in his name.