of Maumelle, AR
April 17, 1944 - July 17, 2023
Samuel R. Probasco IV was born to parents Charlotta D. and Samuel R. Probasco III on April 17, 1944 in Darby, Pennsylvania, a few miles southwest of City Center Philadelphia. Sam's family had a long history in the Quaker communities of Pennsylvania and in New Jersey, where his antecedents settled in the region of New York and New Jersey, known as New Holland in 1653.
Sam would spend much of his early life in the seashore and river towns of New Jersey, such as Beach Haven, Ocean City, Burlington, Riverton and Edgewater Park. Sam graduated from Palmyra High School in 1963 and then journeyed with his best friend to the Arkansas Ozarks to attend the University of Arkansas.
Every summer, Sam would return to New Jersey to work as a City Police Officer in the Ocean City Police Department in Cape May County, with much of his beat encompassed by the famous Ocean City Boardwalk. Sam instilled his love of the shore in his family with more than four decades worth of family vacations on the beaches of New Jersey and Florida, as well as special side trips to the beach that he would make with his wife throughout the years.
After graduating college, Sam taught high school for four years in Eudora, Arkansas. Though he soon left teaching for a career in law enforcement, the years that Sam spent teaching US and World history, Civics and US Government served him well throughout his life. Sam continued to be an educator, taking his children to visit sites such as Mt. Vernon, Jamestown and Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia and Independence Hall in Philadelphia while on summer trips to New Jersey. Sam had an encyclopedic knowledge of the US Highways and could guide anyone along any route through memory alone.
Sam had a long career in Drug Investigation for the State of Arkansas, starting as a Drug Investigator and Supervisor with the Arkansas Department of Health before moving to the Arkansas State Police where he served as the Unit Supervisor of the Diversion Investigation Unit, Criminal Investigation Division. Sam also served as the Director of a State and Federal Drug Diversion Investigative Unit, as well as the Narcotic Evidence Custodian for the Arkansas State Police. While with the Arkansas State Police, Sam taught Diversion seminars to classes of State Troopers. In 1996, Sam was appointed as a DEA Task Force Special Agent and he functioned in both capacities within the DEA and the Arkansas State Police until his retirement in 2009.
The gravity which Sam afforded his career was balanced by the levity with which he approached the rest of his life. Sam was voted Class Clown in high school and was always known to be a lover of practical jokes and laughter. He was a master of a dead pan delivery and capable of laughing himself short of breath. His humor was infectious.
Sam was a great lover of animals, including bats, snakes, birds and cats, but loved no animals more so than his series of beloved standard poodles and his last and most fierce miniature poodle, Walker. Sam was also a great lover of cleanliness and order. His skill for organization and his disdain for dust or mess was legend. He may or may not have been observed vacuuming cat hair out of the air. His family joked that mere cleanliness did not meet his standards, a level they referred to as "samitized".
Sam was an excellent marksman, a collector of military memorabilia and a long-time member of the Arkansas Gun and Cartridge Collector's Club, of which he served as Club President from 1994-2001. Sam was always surrounded by music, making sure he had a small radio playing in every room. He grew up listening to Cousin Brucie and every weekend he would tune in for Casey Kasem's American Top Forty and Dick Bartley's Solid Gold Saturday Nights.
Sam loved and was well loved in return by his wife of nearly 40 years; his four children and two grandchildren. Sam was preceded in death by his parents, Charlotta and Sam Probasco and his sister, Carol. He is survived by his wife Jean; his children, Sam (Alison), Susan (John), Missy (Wes) and Mandy (Matt); grandchildren, Peyton Elizabeth and Samuel Reid and one sister, Patricia (Les).
The family is forever grateful and expresses sincere thanks to the remarkable neighborhood friends who have helped in so many ways big and small.
Friends can gather Tuesday, July 25, 2023 from 2-4 pm at Park on the River, 11903 Crystal Hill Road, Maumelle, AR, 72113. A private burial will take place at a later date. Donations may be made in Sam's name to CARE for Animals at careforanimals.org. Please visit Roller Chenal's website to leave a favorite memory of Sam for the family. The stories will be treasured by Jean and the kids
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37 Condolence(s)
Tina Medlock Bass
Monday, September 18, 2023
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. I will forever be grateful for everything you did for me. Sam was such a great man!!! He changed the lives of so many people.
Debbie Kay Stephens Underwood
Sunday, August 6, 2023
Jean, I am so very sorry for your loss. I just found out, as I was about to send Sam a message as to whether he knew where Jim Stepp was. Sam was my boss at the Health Department (DIU). Fun, fun, times ~ He was a wonderful boss. I helped my mom in her caring for her Aunt. There were days I would take her to grocery store and it was always longer than my lunch hour. He understood. There is much laughter in Heaven. Truly a gentleman and friend...Sam will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the girls. God Bless.
Kathy Coffman Hicks
Wednesday, July 26, 2023
Jean, my long time friend, I am so sad for your loss. Love and prayers for you and your family as face the day ahead.
Hugh Perkins
Tuesday, July 25, 2023
Sam and I hung out after he joined the Health Department and I joined the Arkansas Board of Pharmacy. We both attended a law enforcement meeting in Philadelphia, and he rented a car to visit his family and show me around the town. He was a good guy. He will be missed.
Hugh Perkins
Sandra Dannaway
Tuesday, July 25, 2023
Jean and the Probasco family, Jan and I extend our deepest sympathy to all of you on the loss of Sam. I didn't know Sam personally but I felt as though I knew him from Jean and Missy. One thing was certain, he was a special person. He was deeply loved by his family and will be so missed. I will keep all of you in my prayers and I hope your memories will help you during this difficult time. Sandy
Dana Steele
Tuesday, July 25, 2023
Prayers for you and your family.
Carol Denio
Sunday, July 23, 2023
Sam was a kind man with a great sense of humor. Every time I saw him, he would talk about how much he was enjoying playing with grandkids and spending time with Jean. He will be missed by everyone in AGCCC.
We are truly sorry for your loss and will be praying for your family.
tony l brickley
Sunday, July 23, 2023
For the short time that we spent with Sam all of the memories will last a lifetime. Rest in peace my friend. i we will take care of Jean for as long as she needs us.
Jane Kenkel Gray
Sunday, July 23, 2023
Jean, we were sad to hear of Sam’s death. You and the family will be in our thoughts and prayers
Steve and Jane Gray
Richard Furr
Sunday, July 23, 2023
Sam was one of the first people I met when I moved to Arkansas. We shared a lot of our hobby collecting militaria & would frequently set up together at shows, both locally as well as throughout Arkansas. We would spend time together at each other’s house and Sam always kept not only his lawn mower immaculate but one could eat off the garage floor if so inclined. In Sam’s shop where we worked on projects he had the spouts on his oil cans etc. facing exactly the same direction. I would turn one around when he wasn’t looking and after a bit, he would turn it back around straight without ever realizing what I was doing. LOL! Sam May all of your friends remember the good times we had. ‘Gonna’ miss you bud!
joe callahan
Sunday, July 23, 2023
Always considered Sam to be a leader, a family man and my friend. May you forever Rest in Peace Sam.
Mark B. Hanna
Sunday, July 23, 2023
My thought and prayers are with his family during this difficult time. Sam was a great guy with whom I had the pleasure of working with on many occasions in Law Enforcement.
Don Phillips
Sunday, July 23, 2023
My Sincere Condolences to the Family. It was a pleasure for me to have Sam as one of our Investigators during his time at the Aransas Department of Health Division of Pharmacy and Drug Control. His experience as a police officer was invaluable to the Division.
Richards Honda Yamaha
Saturday, July 22, 2023
We are keeping your friends and family in our prayers, our love goes out to you as this great man takes the most joyous transition in life. With love - the team at Richards Honda Yamaha.
Ron Ragland
Saturday, July 22, 2023
Jean & Family: Sam, A great neighbor & friend. One never knows what path of life you will take in this life. Upon moving to Arkansas I was blessed to have Sam as a neighbor. Visiting with him I learned of his law enforcement background & being part of the DEA Task Force. As we visited about some of his DEA missions I learned we both knew some of the agents from Oklahoma that I provided military support for during my time supporting OBNDD in Oklahoma. For the last 4 years we would set outside and talked about some of the missions and how things were changing after we both retired. I learned of his love for America & the state of Arkansas. He will be missed but not forgotten.
Brenda Spence ( Stout)
Saturday, July 22, 2023
Susie and Sammy, my heart is heavy in hearing of your loss.
Susan, I wish i had spent more time getting to know your dad. I always knew he was a remarkable man who's career impacted many lives. I knew he was your hero and our community was made safer thanks to him.
Although, I don't have many memories with your dad- I recall how you often exspressed your adoration for him . I can also remember the story of how your family was sewn together and your bonds with Missy and Mandy were forever forged when he married and made them your sisters. I hope you all find peace in the upcoming days. I pray that the all the recounts-of all the lives he touched -bring you pride and comfort and ease your sadness. Your family is in my heart and prayers.
Jimmy Mitchell
Friday, July 21, 2023
A great man who’ll be greatly missed. Sam loved to talk about his family and show off pictures of grandkids. Prayers and condolences for his loved ones.
Mary Jo
Friday, July 21, 2023
I am so sorry Susan. Your father was a remarkable man. Please accept my condolences.
Malissa Mathis
Friday, July 21, 2023
Jean, Missy, Mandy, and family,
On behalf of myself, and all of your friends and colleagues from Records, and Transfer Student Services at UALR, deepest sympathy on the passing of your beloved Sam. We are holding you all close in our thoughts and praying for your strength, condolence, and peace during this sad time of parting. May your sweet memories of this amazing man, husband, father bring you comfort in the midst of your sadness. What a wonderful life he shared with you! With love and sympathy, Malissa Mathis
Jim Mitchell
Friday, July 21, 2023
Sam was as fine a friend as anyone could have. 20 plus years and always willing to go that express mile to help, lend an ear or offer his good advise. He will be greatly missed. My heart goes out to his beautiful family.
Susan Ball-Porter
Friday, July 21, 2023
My heart is broken over the loss of such an interesting and influential man! I knew him as Mr. Probasco during those 4 wonderful years when he taught me and my classmates in Eudora. I remember him as being so handsome that all the girls had a crush on him and so strict that no one wanted to rile him! His class discipline was legendary and much needed, because we were a wild group! He brought swift retribution to anyone who challenged his rules! He also had an incredible dry wit, balancing humor with history and government with skill! I know he is dearly loved and missed. My condolences to the whole family, especially Susan, my namesake.
Larry H. Gentry
Friday, July 21, 2023
Sam was a good friend and fellow Trooper. You could always expect a big smile and some humor from him. Prayers for his family and friends. R.I.P.
Cathy Stout
Friday, July 21, 2023
Jean, I did not know your husband, but after reading about his life, I can only Imagine what an amazing man he was. I am so sorry for your loss. May God give you comfort and Peace during this time and the days ahead ðŸ™
Kelly Finan
Friday, July 21, 2023
Jean, I am so deeply sorry. Sending you and your family my love.
Kelly Finan
Alex Finger
Friday, July 21, 2023
Praying for the family, Sam will truly be missed by his ASP family and friends rest in heaven my friend, well done.
Max Woodfin
Friday, July 21, 2023
Dear Jean, I'm so sorry to hear this. I appreciated reading about Sam's love for animals. My thoughts are with you.
Dianna L Kinsey
Friday, July 21, 2023
Jean, my heart goes out to you and the entire family. I continue to pray for your comfort, strength and peace. Sam loved life and lived it to the fullest. How blessed you are to have experienced his love and to have loved him in return. May God bless you all richly with His peace during this difficult time of transitioning.
Ronda Young
Friday, July 21, 2023
RIP brother, i enjoyed every minute i had the pleasure of working with you. You always had such an extensive type voice, one that never seemed to be overly reacting in any type situation. i hope your family is doing the best they can and i want them to know what an awesome Trooper and friend he was. Ronda Young. Conway , AR.
Willie Robinson
Friday, July 21, 2023
Prayers for the family to stay strong and keep the good memories alive.
Billie Ostermann
Friday, July 21, 2023
Jean, I’m thinking of you and your family. Love and peace be with you.
William Freeburn
Friday, July 21, 2023
Thanks for so many great memories Sam. I was honored to be your friend. Heaven is blessed with your presence!
Dianna L Kinsey
Friday, July 21, 2023
Jean, my heart goes out to you and the entire family. I continue to pray for your comfort, strength and peace. Sam loved life and lived it to the fullest. How blessed you are to have experienced his love and to have loved him in return. May God bless you all richly with His peace during this difficult time of transitioning.
Barb & Chuck Clauser
Friday, July 21, 2023
Your in our thoughts and prayers. Sam and I grew up in the same neighborhood in Cinnaminson NJ. We went to Palmyra High and that’s when Sam be came friends with my husband Chuck. Sam was a great guy and will be missed.
Phil Griffin
Friday, July 21, 2023
We will miss you Sam. Jean, Missy, Mandy, Susan and Sammy, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Jessie Burchfield
Friday, July 21, 2023
My deepest condolences to all of you, especially my dear friend Jean. Sending love and prayers.
Carolyn and Jim Griffin
Friday, July 21, 2023
So sorry to hear about your loss. Prayers for the family.
Mary Gail Hiley Eldridge
Friday, July 21, 2023
Thinking of you all and sending love and many prayers.