Vaughn "Sam" A Humphrey

Vaughn (Sam) Humphrey was born in Iowa County, Iowa on March 18, 1921 to Clarence and Alba (Popham) Humphrey. He died on Monday, August 12, 2024, in Orange Park, Florida at the age of 103 years.

Sam grew up on the family farms at Hinkeltown and Green Valley, Iowa. He attended and graduated from high school at North English, IA, riding his horse 13 miles each way. 

In November of 1942 he joined the Army with the 41st Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron, 11th Armored Division, and drove a jeep for Lt. Col. Herbert M. Foy Jr. He was involved in the Battle of the Bulge and his division liberated two concentration camps. He received the Bronze Star and is believed to have been the oldest living American survivor of the Battle of the Bulge. 

Following the war, Sam returned to Iowa and spent the majority of his career working at Collins Radio Company in Cedar Rapids, IA. He married Burnadean Humphrey and they made their home in Cedar Rapids, IA and later North English, IA. After his retirement, Sam and Burnadean moved to Bonita Springs, FL. There Sam enjoyed fishing, playing cards, providing treats to the neighborhood dogs on his walks, working in his yard, and helping at the First United Methodist Church in Bonita Springs.

After Burnadean’s passing in 2010, Sam continued to live independently, taking care of his house and yard and eating many meals at Mel’s Diner. Although his 100th birthday hit during COVID, he still managed to celebrate with his church family serenading him from across the street, having a small get together of a few friends and family at Mel’s Diner, and enjoying a parade of police cars and fire trucks in his honor. 

When Hurricane Ian hit in 2022, Sam was confidant his home could withstand the storm and chose to shelter in place. However, flooding necessitated his being carried through the water to safety. With his home damaged, Sam relocated to a retirement center in Jacksonville, FL to be near his brother David. 

In December of 2023, shortly before his 103rd birthday, Sam was honored at the Jacksonville Jaguars Monday Night Football Game as their Veteran of the Game. Using only a cane, he walked onto the field to a standing ovation from 65,000 people.

Sam lived his life with humility and kindness, and those who knew him will be forever grateful that he was a part of their lives. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Burnadean, his brothers Robert and Lloyd (Chap), his sisters Trela, Edith (Tiny), and Mary Margaret (Peg Kay), step children Jerry Meier and Roxie Thompson, and step grandchildren Mike Meier and Jennifer Meier.

He is survived by his brother David (Carolyn), step grandchildren Charles Williams (Kim), Connie Williams (Clint), Kelly Meier (Leslie), Lisa Meier-Hamilton, and Dawn Meier-Ewoldt (Cory), 7 great grandchildren, 4 great-great grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews.

Sam’s family would like to thank his dear friends in Bonita Springs, FL for all their kindnesses to him, and the staff at Palagio in Jacksonville, FL for their wonderful care. 

A graveside service will be held 2:00 pm on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at the North English Cemetery, in North English, Iowa. Powell Funeral Home in North English is caring for Sam and his family. Messages and tributes may be left at www.powellfuneralhomes.com.