Sam M. Masinton 6-26-1919 ~ 12-14-2014 Sam M. Masinton of Walsenburg, CO passed away on December 14, 2014 after prolonged declining health conditions. Sam was born in Salida, CO June 26, 1919 to Tony and Esther Masinton, and grew up in La Vata, CO. He graduated from La Veta High School in 1936 and afterward worked several years on the railroad serving the La Veta area. In February 1940, he enlisted in the US Army Air Force, beleiving the military would offer a good educational opportunity. In December, 1940, Sam married Unabelle Griffith of Palisade, CO. After completing various training schools, he was shipped overseas to Molesworth, England, where he was in charge of the engine repair station for B-17 bombers. Sam and his crew repaired 1500 planes in two years with only three planes ending up in the “bone pile”, too damaged for repair. He later returned to the US and received an honorable discharge in September, 1945. After the war, Sam and Unabelle moved to Palisade, CO where they raised their three children: Larrie Jean Ferguson (Wendel) (deceased), Harry, and Roy. Sam worked with Biggs & Kurtz’s Company and the Rio Grande Motorway and served on the Palisade Town Board. In 1967, Sam was transferred to the Denver area, residing in Arvada, CO and working as a service representative with Rio Grande Motorway until his retirement in 1982. In 2005, Sam moved
to Walsenburg, CO where he enjoyed the company of long-time friend Lillian O’Rourke, was actively involved with the Senior Center, and was a member of the United Church of Walsenburg. Sam is survived by his two sons: Harry (Patricia) Masinton of Cedaredge, CO, and Roy (Barb) Masinton of Oriental, NC; his only grandson, Tony (Stephanie) Masinton; and great-grandchildren Eleanor Sophia and Emilio Zebulon, presently of La Veta, CO. He was preceded in death by his wife of sixty-five years, Unabelle; his one daughter, Larrie Jean Ferguson; and by his only brother, Charlie Masinton, and only sister, Mary Masinton, both of La Veta, CO. A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, December 20 at 11 a.m. at United Church of Walsenburg. A brief graveside memorial service will follow at the La Veta Cemetery where Sam and his wife, Unabelle, will be interred.
