Samuel James Gaughan, 58, of Clarksville, TN, formerly of Miles City, MT, passed away Saturday, November 3, 2012, of a heart attack at Gateway Medical Center.
Sam was born August 7, 1954 in Franklin, IN, the son of James and Rachel Gaughan. He graduated from Sacred Heart High School in Miles City in 1972. While living in Miles City, he worked various jobs, including at the Miles City Livestock Center and Pine Hills School for Boys. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1973 and again in 1982 and was honorably discharged in 1999 as a Sergeant First Class. During his enlistment, Sam received numerous medals, ribbons, and awards for his service and marksmanship and was especially proud of his awards earned while serving with the sniper unit in Korea. A natural athlete, Sam especially enjoyed playing baseball and football and later cheering on his favorite football team, Notre Dame. He was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Eagles Club, North American Hunting Club and the National Rifle Association. Sam shared many stories and smiles with his friends and co-workers at Jostens Printing and Publishing in Clarksville. He was a generous donor to many charities, including St. Labre Indian School, St. Joseph Indian School, US Olympic Committee and the US Shooting Team.
Survivors include his parents, James Gaughan of Cheyenne, WY and Rachel Nay Gaughan of Billings, MT; his brother, Dan (Linda), of Helena, MT; his sister, Sharon of Billings, MT, and Olinda Peplinski, the daughter of his former wife. He always held a special place in his heart for Olinda.
Services will be held on Saturday, December 15, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Eastern Montana State Veteran’s Cemetery in Miles City with full military honors provided by VFW Post 1579. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of the arrangements.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the St. Labre Indian School, Ashland, MT, or the VFW Post #1579, Miles City.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday December 15, 2012
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment with Full Military Honors
Saturday December 15, 2012
Eastern Montana State Veteran Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Mary Sue Peterson Bishop says
Sharon sorry to hear about your brother Sam. Keeping you and your family in our prayers.
Diona Austill says
Sharon,
So sorry to hear about your brother. Haven’t seen you for ages. Will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
DIona
Shannon & Bryan Holmen says
Oh I am so sad to hear of Sam. He was one of those upper- classman at Sacred Heart that was nice to me (an under-class man). He even gave me a ride home a few times. Such a giving person, I know he is smiling down on us . My prayers. ShannonHalsey-Holmen
Nancy Branum says
Rachel
So sorry to hear of the loss of (your Sam). My thoughts and prayers and with you and your family. When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasurer, so cherish those memories. God blessings to all.
Amy LaBree says
Rachel & Sharon – So sorry for both of you. You will be in our prayers.
John Salazar says
I was deeply saddened to hear of Sam’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Even though we lost touch over the years, Sammy was a great friend and a damn good soldier. ” Stand down Sergeant, your tour of duty is done. Go rest amongst the clouds my friend, until we meet again.”
Mary (Ottoy) Snell says
Sharon:
Sorry to hear of your brother’s passing. You are in my prayers and thoughts.
Mary (Ottoy) Snell
Marcy Stabler Parks says
Sharon and family,
I am so sorry to hear about Sam. My heart goes out to all of you; you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Darcy Boggs says
Sharon and family, So sorry to hear about your brother. You are in my thoughts and prayers. If there is anything I can do, please let me know. Love and prayers!! Darcy
Aaron Hoppe says
Olinda, I only talked to Sam a few times and from that I know the world lost a great man. He loved you very much and I know you loved him very much, just remember you will always have your Daddy Sam looking over you. I am sorry for your loss and wish you the best. Aaron
Mary & Fred Wambolt says
Dan (and family)…so sorry to hear about Sam. He was such a nice guy! Got along with everyone – even us older kids! You are all in our prayers. May you find comfort in faith and memories.