Thomas Samuel “Sam” Brown, the son of Thomas Henderson and Mabel Mae (Sutterfield) Brown, was born June 19, 1942 in Harrison, AR. Sam passed away on September 28, 2026 at Turners Rock Garden House in Springfield, MO.

He is survived by one sister, Dana Brown and his niece DD Hodges; three sisters-in-law Carolyne Sissom and husband Ken, Barbara June Ashley, wife of the late Guy Ashley, and Elaine Ashley, wife of the late Ron Ashley; one brother-in-law Gayle Ashley and wife Vida; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Barbara; his parents; one brother, Ted Brown and wife June; three sisters-in-law, Kathryn Ellsworth and husband Burl, Helena Jumper and husband Hulsey, and Edith Richardson and husband Donald; and two brothers-in-law Guy Ashley and Ron Ashley.

He graduated from Harrison High School, Harrison, AR in 1960; attended School of the Ozarks and received an Associate in Science in 1962; attended Drury College and received his Bachelor of Science in 1964, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Psychology in 1972 at Texas Christian University. After graduation, Sam began his career teaching at Drury College for several years. He then continued his rewarding teaching career in the Marketing Department at Missouri State University and retired in 2005. After retirement, Sam and Barbara enjoyed going on numerous cruises, trips to the beach, and traveling the world.

Sam was a member of University Heights Baptist Church where he served as a teacher and a member of many boards. His hobbies included: reading, traveling, riding his tandem bicycle with Barbara, and spending time with his family.

Visitation will be held Thursday, October 8, 2026 at University Heights Baptist Church from 10:00-11:00 a.m. followed immediately by the memorial service in the church sanctuary. Burial will be at Hazelwood Cemetery, 1642 E. Seminole St., Springfield, MO following the memorial service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the University Heights Baptist Church Foundation, 1010 S. National Ave., Springfield, MO 65804. Online condolences may be made at gormanscharpf.com.