Samuel Merlin Sam Turley

Samuel M. "Sam" Turley, 75, of Clyde Park, Montana, passed away peacefully Friday, May 15, 2015 at his home with his loving wife and children at his side. Cremation has taken place at Franzen-Davis Crematory. A Memorial Funeral Service will be held 11:00 A.M. Friday May 22, at the Franzen-Davis Chapel (118 N 3rd St.) in Livingston, with Sandy Williams as the Celebrant. Graveside committal and burial will be at Mountain View Cemetery with Veterans Honors by Park Post #23 American Legion and Active Duty ARMY honors team. Fellowship will follow the service at the Shane Center Banquet Hall (415 E Lewis St.; Livingston). Memorials are preferred to the Stafford Animal Shelter, Livingston, MT. Sam was born on November 18, 1939, in Butte, Montana. He was the son of Royal J. and Nan M. (Smith) Turley. He received his education in Three Forks and was a graduate of the Three Forks High School Class of 1957. Following graduation Sam entered active military service in the United States Army on December 12, 1956, and served his country during the Korean Conflict. He served as an Expert Rifleman before joining the Army Reserves. He received an Honorable Discharge on December 10, 1964 in Harlowton, MT, having earned the rank of Private First Class. On February 27, 1964, Sam was united in marriage to Sandra Mae Tritschler, in Blackfoot, Idaho. This marriage was blessed with two children, son, Robert and daughter, Stacey. Sam and Sandy started out in Harlowton as Sam worked as a mechanic while running the Little Chief Station. They later moved to Billings for a couple of years then to Tulsa, Oklahoma where Sam took up studies at Spartan School of Aeronautics. While attending school Sam worked part-time for a mobile home dealer and had also earned his private pilots license. Once he earned his certificate in aeronautics, he moved into the profession of mobile home transportation on a full-time basis. Sam and Sandy moved to Livingston and started their family. Sam also started his operation of S&S Mobile Home Service (S&S which stands for Sam and Sandy). They later moved to Clyde Park continuing to operate his business up to his retirement in 2002 at age 62. They shared 51 years of marriage. Sam always had the gift of understanding mechanical operations. His specialty was hydraulics, he had earned straight As pertaining to hydraulics in school, something that had not been accomplished in the previous 40 years. He was intelligent, so much so, that he knew when to pull out the manual or text book to really understand an issue. He was a very influential father to his son Bob, having him work with him when possible and teaching all he could. He was a hard worker yet had patience to sit with his grandchildren, even when dealing with his progressing illness. After retirement Sam enjoyed buying and restoring antique tractors. He collected many and resold few. He also drove for the Stillwater Mine and Karst Stages taking tour groups, sports teams and one memorable tour of a group of Frenchmen. He and Sandy enjoyed traveling and he had taken her all over the U.S. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family, grandchildren and friends. Sam is survived by his: Loving wife of 51 years, Sandy of Clyde Park. Son, Robert "Bob" Turley of Clyde Park and his children, Robert, Connor and Aubrey; Daughter, Stacey Raw and her husband, Michael of Clyde Park and their children, Meaghan and Morgan. Daughter, Brenda Rageth and her husband, David of Littleton, CO and Son, Sam Buckman and his wife, Diane of Manhattan, MT. Brother, Kip Turley and his wife, Haydee of Phillipsburg, MT. Brothers-in-law, Larry Tritschler and his wife, Margie of Port Angeles, WA; David Tritschler and his wife, Barbara of Grand Junction, CO; Sisters-in-law, Patsy Parker and her husband, Joe of Shelly, ID; Rosie Vandervort and her husband, Harry of Glendon, Alberta, Canada; Barbara Vandenburg and her husband, Melvin of Billings. Nieces, nephews and other relatives and many friends. Sam is preceded in death by his Parents, Royal and Nan Turley, In-laws, John, Andrew, Gerald and Paul Tritschler; Ellen Nimmons, Mary Kern and Kathleen Jensen. Arrangements are under the care of Franzen-Davis Funeral Home and Crematory.