Samuel James Lasley

Samuel (Sam) James Lasley (aka Sammy, Sambo) 59, of Columbia, Missouri, beloved husband, father, grandpa, and Papa passed away on December 2, 2021 at his home surrounded by his family and loved ones. He fought a valiant battle with gastric cancer, and showed enormous strength and courage throughout.

The family will receive visitors on Friday, December 10, 2021 from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Memorial Funeral Home, 1217 Business Loop 70 W, Columbia, MO 65202. A celebration of life will follow at 5:00 pm. Services will be live streamed on the funeral home's Facebook page at Memorial Funeral Home, Crematory, and Memorial Park Cemetery/Columbia.

Sam was born in Kirksville, Missouri on April 27, 1962 to Robert and Pauline (Akey) Lasley. He married Denise Ann Krueger in Lancaster Missouri, on March 21, 1987. To this union 2 children were born, Logan and Lindsey.

Sam began working with his dad on the farm repairing tractors, building ponds, and being a sidekick in the semi with his dad from a young age. After doing a couple other jobs following graduation from high school, he decided to open Lasley’s Service Station in Queen City in 1982.

In 1989, Sam, Denise, and their children relocated to Columbia to pursue new employment opportunities. He worked at Henderson Implement and Sam’s Club before becoming the Manager at Lee’s Tire Company from 1990 to 2019.

While at Lee’s, he gained numerous lasting friendships from customers and acquaintances. His infectious smile and willingness to “make a good deal” usually kept them guessing if it really was or not.

Sam’s greatest joy was being with his family and grandchildren. Spending time outdoors was a close second. His fishing and hunting adventures always made for a good story. Sam also loved to tinker and repair things, even if it meant taking apart things in the kitchen cabinet. His passion for repairing engines, motors, and vehicles always seemed to be a family affair, and he would definitely verbalize out loud if we didn’t grab the right tools.

What truly started out as a hobby of collecting farm toys that he grew up with, evolved into traveling to toy shows and also helping Denise create an online business, Lasley’s Farm Toys, which his family continues as his legacy. Sam never passed up a good bargain, and also enjoyed building custom pieces which he displayed with pride. He would constantly keep in touch with other collectors, especially during organizing the Mid-Missouri Farm Toy Shows for the last 18 years. Fortunately, he was able to attend the most recent one in October despite his failing health.

Survivors include his wife, Denise; son, Logan (Megan); daughter, Lindsey Weaver (Jeff); grandson, Tucker James Lasley; granddaughter, Lilly Grace Weaver, all of Columbia; mother, Lila Pauline Lasley of Columbia; siblings, Paul Lasley and friend Lynette Spicer of Ames, Iowa, Deb (JT) Taylor, Raymond (Susan) Lasley, Tom Lasley all of Columbia; sister-in-law, Debbie Lasley of Glenwood, Missouri; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Sam was preceded in death by his father, Robert Lasley; maternal grandparents, Delause Akey and Louie and Irene Bently; paternal grandparents, Orvil (Polk) and Sadie Lasley; father-in-laws, Carlton Krueger, Lavern Hoins, and Svend Aasberg; brother, Russell Lasley; nephew, Jason Lasley; niece, Michelle Lasley; sister-in-law, Pauletti Lasley; and brother-in-law, Kevin Douglas.

Sam will be deeply missed by his many family and friends and he will be always remembered as “one of the good guys” even though he enjoyed his practical jokes, which made us laugh so much.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contribution may be made in Sam’s honor to Missouri Cancer Associates or Boone Health Home Care and Hospice.

Moments shared, lives touched, memories made.