A00169B - Ronald Stephen Sampson, Amherst College Class of 1974, Thomas Jefferson High School (Elizabeth, New Jersey) Graduate, Georgetown University J. D., New Jersey Legal Practitioner

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Condolences to the immediate and extended family. Remembrances of Ronald include him managing to incorporate sincerity and kindness along with a drive to excel, resultant of the knitting that bonds the family and prayerfully will shepherd the remaining members during this time and beyond. I also remember, if correctly, the home on the corner of Walnut Street in Elizabeth NJ. It always appeared larger than life to me when I was younger, and I felt the family that lived there seemed to match the structure in stature and purpose. A life that is lived and not taken for granted shall also be part of my memory of Mr. Ronald Sampson.

Howard Walker

July 13, 2006 | Mesa/Phoenix, AZ

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I am deeply sadden at the passing of my friend Ron Samspon. I can only think of how proud his late parents were of him. They made great personal sacrifices to ensure that their children received a first class education. The Sampson Family have long played a special role in my life. Steve, Delores and Ruby will always hold special memories for me. Ron walked by his parents side in life, now he shares their enormous legacy in death. We expected Ron to continue his father's great passion for the African American community of Elizabeth and Union County. However, we bow our heads in humble submission to God's almighty will. Rest my brother and farewell.

Dexter A. Martin

July 13, 2006 | St. Louis, MO

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My condolences to the family and friends of Ron. I hadn't seen for a number of years but We went to Jefferson High School together and were pretty good friends. He was always the type of guy who you knew would make it good in life. I would run into him once in a while when he was a student at Amherst college (he graduated cum laude- go Ron!) Then We went our seperate life paths but I always will know him as a warm, intelligent man who enjoyed the world from a wonderful point of view.

Ben Jacobs

July 12, 2006 | Staten Island, NY

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To the Sampson Family:
I was very saddened to hear of the passing of Ronald. We all grew up together as children at New Zion Baptist Church in Elizabeth and through school. Although we didn't cross paths much after high school, through intermediaries, I was glad to know of his success as an attorney. While it doesn't seem fair that he has left us at a relatively young age, I hope the family can take consolation in the fact that a person never really dies, as long as there is someone left to remember. When there is no one left to remember, then it doesn't really matter anymore. On behalf of the entire Blair Family I wish to extend our sincere condolences during this time of bereavement.

Thomas Blair, Jr.

July 12, 2006 | Stone Mountain, GA

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Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Betty and Jason LeBoeuf

July 10, 2006 | Nutley, NJ

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Ron: You will definitely be missed. Thank you for being a friend. Thank you from my daughter for being there for her. God will definitely take care of those you left behind as you did. You were a special person.

Eleanor Davis

July 10, 2006 | South Orange, NJ

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TO THE SAMPSON FAMILY:

MY PRAYERS GOES OUT TO YOU AND THE FAMILY!

RON IS BEST REMEMBER TO ME AS NOTHING OTHER THAN A GENTLEMEN!

WE LOVE HIM AND WE WILL ALL MISS HIM, HE IS DOING WORK FOR THE LORD NOW, SLEEP ON MY BROTHER, SLEEP ON!

YOUR FRIEND AND CLEINT,
KEITH DRAKE

KEITH DRAKE

July 09, 2006 | IRVINGTON, NJ

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To the family of Ronald Sampson, I will continue to pray for you all at this time. I have worked with Ron for many of years and the last words that I shared with him maybe about three weeks ago or more, was that I hope he gets better soon because I missed seeing him at work and that I would keep him lifted in pray.

Ron was very plesant and to himself, that's what I admired most about him and he will truely be missed.

From my family to yours, may God continue to keep you all lifted, Ron is at peace now and home with the Lord. God Bless.

Mia Allison Garrett

July 08, 2006 | East Orange, NJ

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Thanks for everything Mr. Sampson, you will be deeply missed.

Karolynn Tubman

July 08, 2006 | Newark, NJ

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A00169A - Ronald Stephen Sampson, Amherst College Class of 1974, Thomas Jefferson High School (Elizabeth, New Jersey) Graduate, Georgetown University J. D., New Jersey Legal Practitioner

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Ronald Sampson Obituary

SAMPSON - On Monday, July 3, 2006, Ronald, Esq., of South Plainfield. Complete notice to follow Sunday. Arrangements by WOODY "HOME FOR SERVICES," Orange.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Star-Ledger on Jul. 8, 2006.

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In Memory

I am sorry to report the death of our classmate Ron Sampson. Ron died on July 3, 2006, after an extended illness. Ron came to Amherst after graduating from Thomas Jefferson High School in  Elizabeth, N.J. He was a political science major and played football. Stu Dunnings ’74 remembers well the good times that he and Ron had when they spent their sophomore year at Wellesley on Twelve College exchange.

After Amherst, Ron graduated from law school and practiced law in Northern New Jersey. Ron leaves a widow, Lea, and three children.

One of the most common sights around campus during our freshman year was the dynamic duo of Sampson and Reese “Cups” Couch ’74. Reese, whose name is now Gurujodha S. Khalsa, remembers this story about Ron.

It was the fall of 1970, and I was hanging out with my new best friend, Ron Sampson, from Elizabeth, N.J. A fellow resident of James Hall, a lover of jazz (particularly Miles Davis), and a Charles Barkley-style basketball player before the invention of Sir Charles, Ron and I established instant rapport. It was freshman year, and Ron and I decided to go to Smith for a party at Ziskind House. Neither of us possessed an automobile, and so we rushed to catch the Smith-Amherst bus. As luck would have it, we missed the last bus to Smith and decided to hitchhike.

At the time, I stood 6 ft., 3 in. and weighed 185 lbs. Ron was 6 ft., 2 in. and weighed about 210. Needless to say, the cars were not even slowing down to pick up two, large African-American "brothers" on their way to Northampton.

Finally, a yellow beat-up Volkswagen "bug" slowed to pick us up. Ron got into the back, and I squeezed into the front passenger seat. As soon as I shut the door, the driver let out a loud “yeeehaaw” and threw the car into first gear. I glanced over my shoulder at Ron, and we both looked at the driver who was a white male, with a rather scruffy beard, wearing a fringe leather vest with no shirt and a frayed orange and red headband and sunglasses at 11:00 at night. Without being telepathic, we both thought, "This can’t be good."

The driver proceeded to weave in and out of traffic at a fairly excessive rate of speed until finally I said, "Yo, my man, could you slow down?" To which he replied, "I know you guys hate me. I’m just no good, you should just kill me. I’m white, you’re black, I deserve it." I pondered the situation, wondering if my last moments on earth were going to be spent squeezed into a yellow Volkswagen beetle. Without hesitation Ron replied, "We don’t hate anybody, and nobody has to die. It’s not about your color, man, it’s about who you are and what you believe. That’s what this whole revolution is about. It’s not about what’s outside; it’s about what’s inside—and we’re inside your car, and we want to get out in one piece."

At this point everybody laughed, and our driver slowed down. We made it to Northampton safely and had a great time at the party. I recall this incident often when I think of my best friend who has now left the earth plane because it encapsulates his personal philosophy and way of relating to others. For Ron, it was never about race, status or money but always about what was on the inside, what was in your heart that counted. I will miss my brother.

Gurujodha S. Khalsa (Reese F. Couch) ’74
Richard Ammons ’74

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Contact

Nickname

• Ron

Family

Amherst Relatives

• Lea Sampson W'74

Personal

No data available

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Professional

Employment Information

Former

• Attorney

  Self Employed

  Start:

  01/1998

  End:

  07/2006
• Attorney

  Love & Randall

  Start:

  01/1985

  End:

  01/1998
• Attorney

  Freeman & Bass

  Start:

  01/1984

  End:

  01/1985

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Amherst

Reunion Class

• 1974

Graduation Year

• 1974

Major(s)

• Political Science

Other Academic

Secondary Schools

• Thomas Jefferson High School

Higher Ed

• Georgetown University

  Field of Study:

  Law

  Degree:

  Doctor of Jurisprudence

  Year:

  1982

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Amherst

Athletics

• Men's Basketball
• Men's Football
• Men's Tennis

Fraternity

• Independent (no fraternity affil)

Post-Graduate

No data available

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A00168 - Michael Jerome Pierce, Amherst College Class of 1974, George Washington Carver High School (Columbus, Georgia) Graduate, Emory University M. D., Psychiatrist

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In Memory

Michael Pierce, a member of the class of 1974, died on July 7, 1991, in Decatur, Ga. Born in Germany, Michael was an Army “brat.” He came to Amherst after graduating from George Washington Carver High School in Columbus, Ga. While at Amherst, Michael was a founding member of Straight Ahead and was active in the Afro-American Society. Michael majored in economics and black studies. His interest after graduation soon turned to medicine. After taking a number of preparatory courses, Michael attended Emory University School of Medicine and completed a residency in psychiatry. At the time of his death, he was medical director of the South Central Fulton Mental Health Center in Atlanta.

In addition to his wife, Millicent, he is survived by a daughter, Natalie; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Pierce; and two brothers, Daryl and Keith.

Richard Ammons ’74

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Contact

No data available

Family

Amherst Relatives

• Millicent Pierce W'74

Personal

No data available

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Professional

Employment Information

Former

• Medical Directo

  South Central Health Center

  Start:

  01/1991

  End:

  07/1991
• Psychiatrist

  Bio-Behavioral Associates

  Start:

  01/1988

  End:

  01/1991

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Amherst

Reunion Class

• 1974

Graduation Year

• 1974

Major(s)

• Economics

Other Academic

Secondary Schools

• Carver High School

Higher Ed

• Georgia State University

  Degree:

  Unknown Degree

  Year:

  1988
• Emory University

  Field of Study:

  Medicine

  Degree:

  Unknown Degree

  Year:

  1984

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Amherst

Fraternity

• Phi Alpha Psi Fraternity

Post-Graduate

No data available

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A00167 - Franklin Owens, Jr., Amherst College Class of 1974, 1966 Theodore Roosevelt High School (Des Moines, Iowa) Graduate, Iowa State University M. A. in Community and Regional Planning, Iowa State University Economic Development Specialist

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Franklin "Frank" Owens, Jr.

October 07, 2021

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Frank Owens Jr. died Thursday October 7, 2021 from metastatic cancer after a courageous and uncomplaining battle. Frank was born January 26th, 1948 in Moberly, MO the third child to Minnie Pearl Owens and William Franklin Owens Sr.

Frank graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1966. Frank then continued his education at Amherst College in Massachusetts. He then returned to Des Moines and later received his Master’s degree in community and regional planning from Iowa State.

Frank left his home in Altoona and moved into his parent’s home in Des Moines to lovingly care for his mother who had Alzheimer’s disease. He remained in Des Moines for the remainder of his years.

Frank worked through Iowa State University as a community planner. He also worked at Bike World full and part time for 30 years. His passion for cycling led him to coach and mentor inner city youth through the Dream Team and complete several ‘Ragbrai’ bicycle rides across Iowa.

Owning and managing multiple real estate properties led to Frank being a member and past president of the Neighborhood Revitalization Board which advised the City Council and Board of Supervisors on housing improvements and neighborhood revitalization projects.

Frank's hobbies included bicycling, hunting, fishing, and riding his motorcycle. He did all things with passion and a voracious appetite to learn everything there was to know about the activity.

Through his marriage to Teresa Moklestad-Burke aka ‘Torese’, Frank became a father to Brandon Burke. Brandon quickly became Frank’s pride and joy. He proudly and lovingly called him son.

Frank was known and respected for his kindness and quiet dignity. Frank's legacy is evident in the lives and hearts he touched through mentoring and serving others. Frank leaves behind loving family, countless friends, acquaintances, and two beautiful dogs, Harry and Mister.

Frank is predeceased by his mother and father, his brother Fred, his brother William and his sister Gloria.

His spiritual faith was his source of strength throughout his cancer journey. He was a member of Cornerstone Family Church of Des Moines, Iowa and actively attended services until the Covid-19 pandemic hit. Frank is now in heaven rejoicing with Jesus.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Above and Beyond Cancer, in appreciation for the exceptional care Frank received from Dr. Deming and his team or to the Dream Team.
Donations made to Above and Beyond Cancer can be sent to:
1915 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50309
Donations made to Dream Team Des Moines can be sent to:
2643 Beaver Ave #350, Des Moines, Iowa 50310

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Ann Greenwood

03/19/2022

You came to my mind last night. I was determined to find you today but found your obituary instead. I am pretty sure you are one of the angels flying around here. Love Always,Ann

Sylvia DeWitt

10/25/2021

I called your number today to see if I could hear your voice one more time, but while the number still works, your greeting had already been erased. Though your voice is stilled, your legacy of enduring friendships lives on. You were a much loved member of your friends group called, "The Tribe." You meant a lot to us and vice versa. You're already missed. Safe journey my friend.

Bob Reynolds

10/23/2021

Your were a truly unique person, glad that we crossed paths.

Safe travels my friend.

Gary Somerville

10/23/2021

I went to high school with Frank. Although I hadn't seen him in all of these years I remember him as a happy go lucky guy. My sympathies to his family and friends.

Tim Borich

10/23/2021

Ive known Frank for years through our community work at Iowa State University. I wonder if he still kept his student from Amherst that was some a lot of hair! First through his work with the neighborhoods in DSM and later through Extension, Frank proved to be a wonderful colleague.

Beyond a community planner, Frank was a true community builder one person at a time. Frank was a bit reserved, but once he set his sites on something I was always amazed at his leadership. His impacts upon Des Moines and across Iowa may not be known to many as would be the last boast.

In fact, I can never remember hearing boastful and Frank in the same sentence. Trust me, his impacts were real a true community builder.

Penny Hayden

10/22/2021

Frank I am blessed to have known you. We enjoyed class of 1966 from TRHS. I know you are with Jesus and we will praise God together one day soon :person_biking::tone_medium::rainbow::herb::ok_hand::tone_medium:

Kay Eichner

10/21/2021

Dear Owens Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you. Frank always had a smile on his face. I am certain he still does. He was loved and will be missed by many. Kay Eichner

Kata Johansen

10/21/2021

May you be among the angels.

john baker

10/20/2021

what a great example of a classy guy. rest in peace my friend

Greg Klein

10/20/2021

I met Frank in 8th grade at Merrill Jr. High. Our paths would occasionally cross over the years around town. He always had a smile. Rest in peace Frank.

Barbara Hug

10/20/2021

I worked with Frank from the Polk County Extension Office. He was one of the nicest person's I've ever met. I grieve at his loss.

Nancie Lavine

10/19/2021

I can't stop crying. I met Frank over 30 years ago. He was just beginning his bicycling. He is one of the most loving, genuine, & respectable, gentlemen, I have ever known. The world is a better place because of Frank. My heart is broken. R.I.P :broken_heart::pray:

Carolyn Kuhn

10/19/2021

I feel honored to be able to say that Frank was my friend. He lived life with passion, optimism, kindness and fearless bravery. God speed my friend to a place of peace and joy.

Dana Thompson Bonnesen

10/18/2021

Well liked by so many in our class of '66.
God's blessings and peace.

Cyndee Cox (Wheeler)

10/17/2021

Frank weve known each other since kindergarten. You always had a smile and a kind word for anyone who needed it. Good to see you at church these last few years. Fly high friend.

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Keith Hyland

10/13/2021

I have fond memories of Frank going back to elementary days at Windsor. He was a kind hearted person and well liked by all who knew him. God's peace and comfort to all who were close to him!

Sheri Gibson Spencer

10/13/2021

Frank, I have known you since we were five. You have touched so many lives and made each of us better for knowing you. You will be missed, but will live on in our hearts. RIP

Jim Franquemont

10/13/2021

Miss being there Frank,
What a wonderful time we had early in our lives! Always enjoy thinking about all the times we had together and meeting your parents :red_heart:

Carmi Soifer

10/13/2021

Love you, Frankmiss you! Algebra forever

Nikki DiMaria Simmons

10/12/2021

Frank was truly one of the great ones. He will be missed by so many.
God speed, my friend.

Helen(Mozee) Antonio

10/12/2021

cuz Frank had a big heart for helping people, I will always remember him making sure we had summer jobs when we were of age to work..our condolences from Your Patton, Harvey and Mozee Family

Steve Jacobs

10/08/2021

Words can't express how much Frank touched my life. He will be with me forever

Bryon Moore

10/08/2021

Frank was one of the most generous people Ive ever met. We first in sales together at Homemakers furniture. Since then hes sold me 2 bikes at bike world and has given me timely life advice and friendship. I can say with 100% certainty that Frank Owens is in the top 1% of human beings on this planet and the world is a better place from him being with us for the time we got together. He will be missed but not forgotten.

Victoria Gillotti

10/07/2021

My heart is so deeply saddened by the loss of my good friend. Know that your family; which is made up of your close friends, love you and will miss you deeply

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Contact

Nickname

• Frank

Family

No data available

Personal

No data available

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Professional

Employment Information

Former

• Economic Development Specialist

  Iowa State University

  Start:

  01/2001

  End:

  10/2020
• Sales

  Roberts & Williams Carpet Ctry

  Start:

  01/1996

  End:

  01/1998
• Owner

  Legend Cycles

  Start:

  01/1993

  End:

  01/1996
• Sales Manager

  Bike World

  Start:

  01/1990

  End:

  10/2020
• Sales Manager

  Pidgeon's Furniture

  Start:

  01/1989

  End:

  01/1996
• Scheduler

  Roxanne Conlin

  Start:

  01/1982

  End:

  01/1989

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Amherst

Reunion Class

• 1974

Graduation Year

• 1974

Major(s)

• Black Studies; Sociology

Other Academic

Secondary Schools

• Roosevelt High School

Higher Ed

• Iowa State University

  Field of Study:

  Community and Regional Planning

  Degree:

  Master of Arts

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Amherst

Fraternity

• Independent (no fraternity affil)

Post-Graduate

Community/ Professional Activities

• Dream Team

  Role:

  Coach
• Dream Team

  Role:

  Mentor
• Neighborhood Revitalization Board

  Role:

  Member

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