Michael (Mike) Sampson

Michael (“Mike”) Allen Sampson, 81, of Overland Park, Kansas, passed away on November 17, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. He was born on March 23, 1944, in Decorah, Iowa, to Robert Valentine Sampson and Phyllis Elaine Sampson, and grew up in West Des Moines, Iowa alongside his three sisters, Mary Field (Rob), Jane Cowan (Paul), and Cathy Darnell (Rob).

Mike began his college years at the University of Iowa, later attending Creighton University School of Dentistry in Omaha—an experience that shaped not only his career, but the rest of his life. It was there that he met Mildred (“Millie”) Theresa Sampson, the love of his life and personal guardian angel, whom he married in 1967. He also formed lifelong friendships with many of his dental classmates, as well as his teammates from the fast-pitch softball team he played on during his years in Omaha. Those friendships remained deeply meaningful to him for the rest of his life.

After dental school, Mike entered the U.S. Army as a captain. He and Millie moved to Fort Carson, Colorado. During his time in the military, Mike served honorably at Fort Carson and in Seoul, South Korea. Following his military service, the family moved to Kansas City. Mike practiced dentistry for many decades in Raytown, Missouri, where he cared for his patients with kindness, skill, and dedication.

Mike lived with a remarkable zest for life and had a wide range of interests that made him a true renaissance man. He was an avid golfer, scoring 7 holes-in-one during his lifetime; a talented performer who spent decades acting, singing, dancing and making friends in community theatre productions; and an enthusiastic lover of art, music, movies, and all sports. As a younger man he played semi-pro baseball and was a strong swimmer. Later in life, he still sought out adventure—whether enjoying amusement parks (he loved roller coasters), and even went parasailing with his grandkids in his 70’s.

He was also a gifted artist with beautiful handwriting, calligraphy, and drawing ability. Family gatherings, little league events, and friendly golf tournaments were often brightened by the handmade signs and artwork he created just for the occasion.

In addition to coaching Little League Baseball and kid’s basketball, one of Mike’s proudest achievements was helping co-found, alongside several others, the Blue Valley Recreation Commission, which has provided thousands of children in the Blue Valley area with the opportunity to play sports, learn teamwork, and build confidence. The years he devoted to that effort were a lasting legacy of his commitment to his community.

Family was at the center of Mike’s world. He was a devoted husband for 57 years, a loving father to Jeannie DeVeney (Brian) and David Sampson (Angel), and a proud grandfather to Jordan, Abby, Emma, and Nick Sampson, and Sam, Jack, and Sophie DeVeney. He was the dad and grandpa who never missed a game, show, or event—always cheering the loudest, always offering encouragement and always fully present.

Mike will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, humor, and joyful spirit. He gave freely—of his time, his talent, and his heart. His family and friends will forever miss his smile, his support, and his deep love of life.

A celebration of Mike’s life will be held on Saturday, November 29, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Matt Ross Community Center, 8101 Marty St., Overland Park, Kansas.

Mike lived fully, loved deeply, and brought joy wherever he went. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched.

In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to Kansas City Hospice House in memory of Mike.