Samuel Joseph Trave III

Samuel Joseph Trave III, 73, of Kansas City, MO, passed away on 12/30/24, surrounded by love. Born on July 20, 1951, in Kansas City, he was the oldest child and son of Samuel Joseph Trave Jr. and Mary Elizabeth (Betty) Hogan Trave.

Sam was known for his amazing head of red hair, his kindness towards everyone, sense of humor, and genuine smile. He brought laughter and an indelible mark on the hearts of everyone who had the privilege to know him. Sam graduated from Southwest High School in Kansas City, MO, in 1969 and went on to graduate from Penn Valley Community College with a degree in Applied Science. He pursued a list of careers that reflected his passions.

He proudly served in the Air National Guard and was a lifelong aviation enthusiast; Sam loved airplanes, a passion that stemmed from his family's background—his father was a pilot and his mother an airline stewardess. This love for flying was an integral part of his life, and he spent many hours soaring through the skies, whether in the cockpit or watching the planes at the airport.

Sam got his start in the restaurant business when he worked at Leonard's as a cook in high school. But you may know Sam from his days at The Lone Star in Westport or at Jasper's, where he served up more than just a good dining experience. His storytelling and knack for quality conversation were his specialties, making every visit memorable for those who walked through the doors.

Sam was a great storyteller, a teller of tall tales. His stories were often told with imagination and exaggerations, sometimes intertwining reality and fantasy. His unique perspective brought each story to life, leaving his audience captivated; however, you never really knew if you should believe Sam's stories to their fullest, but when you realized they were actually true, it just made you smile and chuckle. Sam was also a good listener, always willing to lend an ear; he allowed everyone to feel heard and like they had a friend. He would sprinkle in a little humor to add light to the most serious times.

He leaves behind his children, Elizabeth Trave Priest, Samuel Trave IV, and Jill Simone; his grandchildren, Tristen and Mason Porter, Nash Priest, Miles Simone, and Daisy Deal Simone; and his siblings, Susan Kuechler & husband Bill, Sally Trave, Steve Trave and his wife Bette, Sheila Finn and her husband Tom, his Aunt Peggy Guignon and many nephews, nieces and cousins. Sam joins his daughter Scarlett Trave, sister Sharon Trave, and many cousins and friends in his passing. His kindness and spirit will be deeply missed by all who know him.

A celebration to honor his life will be held from 6-8 PM on January 28, 2025, at McGilley State Line Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on January 29, 2025, at 12:30 PM at Our Lady of Perpetual Help/ Redemptorist Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Suicide Awareness in his honor.

Sam has begun his greatest adventure yet, probably flying in an airplane, soaring freely as he always dreamed. Rest in peace, Snappy. Your joyful spirit will always hold a special place in our hearts, guiding us with laughter and love.