Cliston E. Sample, 88, of near Veedersburg, IN, passed peacefully at his daughter's home on Friday, Aug 14, 2020. He was the only child of Charles Thomas Sample and Gomella M. (Grimes) Sample Bassett. Both preceded him in death. He was shaped by his kind father's early passing and was dearly close to his grandmother. He grew up farming for three generations near his beloved hometown of Wallace, IN. As class president and valedictorian, Cliston graduated in 1950 from Wallace High School. On Oct 26, 1952, he married the love of his life, Nadine Murray, in Wallace's Phanuel Lutheran Church. They were married over 60 years before her passing in 2013. Cliston proudly served his country in the Big Red One, the 1st Infantry Division of the US Army. Between stints in Arkansas and Kansas, he completed the postal operations program of the Adjutant General's School. He was stationed in Germany, where Nadine joined him. Travel became his hobby forever after. In 2013, two gold star mothers chose Cliston to place a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Washington DC, on behalf of all Lafayette-area veterans in his Honor Flight. Cliston also served his community as a leader in the Wallace Masonic Lodge, Wallace Lutheran Cemetery Board, Fountain County Farm Bureau Board. Now a member of the Sterling Christian Church, in his childhood, he belonged to the Phanuel Lutheran Church, founded by his ancestors. Later, he became a member and leader in the Wallace Christian Church. In addition to farming, Cliston was a lead machinist at RR Donnelly & Sons in Crawfordsville, IN for 35 years. He was known for his ability to fix anything. He believed there is always another way to do everything! Cliston was happiest when he could make someone's life better, easier, or more fun! He taught countless people to drive and water ski. He especially loved to travel and share his adventures. He was the amazing father of two daughters, Teresa "Terri" Martin, of Hillsboro, IN and Tamara "Tami" (Noel) McKinney of Veedersburg, IN. He was the proudest grandpa of Jamie (Beau) Ridings of Olive Branch, MS and Jason Martin (Liz Duncan) of Oklahoma City, OK. He loved his extended family of nieces, nephews, and friends and all those who had adopted him as their second dad or "G-Pa." His family was always his top priority! He went to extraordinary lengths to not miss their life events, big and small. Cliston will be missed by his many, many family and friends who wish him God's peace and reward.

GATHERING STORIES The family will continue gathering stories in the days ahead. Please call 888-824-4321 and press 0 to leave a message in your own voice; or email cliston.mem@gmail.com to leave a written story or photo; or drop us a card at P.O. 156, Hillsboro, IN 47949.

SERVICES Services: Wed, Aug 19th, Sterling Christian Church, Veedersburg, IN Visitation: 1:00-4:00 with priority from 1:00 to 1:45 given to those age 75 and older or Covid-vulnerable, along with their guests. Funeral: 4:00, entrusted to Maus Funeral Home Burial: Wallace Lutheran Cemetery, Wallace, IN. Both Masonic and Military Rights will be at the graveside.

DONATIONS In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to Wallace Lutheran Cemetery (P.O. Box 156, Hillsboro, IN) or Honor Flight of Greater Lafayette (https://honorflightlafayette.com).

COVID AND REMOTE ACCOMMODATIONS: The family would appreciate that guests wear masks and observe social distancing. Funeral services will be streamed, accessible from Terri Martin's Facebook page at 4:00. At 4:15 PM, wherever you may be, please take two minutes to think of a favorite Cliston memory. We are so grateful for your part in his wonderful life!