Samuel Wayne Costner

Samuel Wayne Costner was born to Samuel Wright and Myrtle Ellen Costner on July 12, 1926 in Sparks, Oklahoma. Sam passed away on March 4, 2009 with his family at his side and OU basketball on the TV. He was preceded in death by his father, mother and one sister. Sam is survived by the love of his life, his wife Martha. He leaves his two sons Colonel Daniel Costner and his wife Joy Costner, and Doctor Thomas Cosnter and his wife Doctor Patty Costner. Sam has one surviving sister, Georgia Frye. Sam has a granddaughter Kayla and three grandsons Chris, Aaron, and Chase. He also leaves many other relatives and friends. Shortly after graduating from Sparks High School, Sam proudly served our country in World War II and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. He stayed in Germany well after V-E Day. After the war, Sam played basketball for the United States Army in Europe. He was assigned to the Bavaria region of Germany and developed a great love of the German people and their culture. Sam and his family and friends made several trips back to Europe. Sam continued his service to his community, state, and country as a member of the Army National Guard for over forty years and retired as a Chief Warrant Officer CW4. Sam lived life and Sam loved life. He was always 'young at heart' and was involved with kids and sports his entire life. Sam has been called the proverbial adolescent. He loved to play with kids and dogs and was always surrounded by them. Sam Costner was truly dedicated to helping kids in any way he could. Sam, his sons and friends made many trips to athletic events around the state and country. He was a fan of all sports, and used sports metaphorically to help us understand life. He was particularly passionate about basketball and loved to play, coach, and could watch basketball all day, everyday. Appropriately, as we celebrate his legacy this month, it should be noted that Sam particularly enjoyed life during March. From volunteer coaching of 10 year olds in the Chandler Youth League, high school playoffs, Big 8 and Big XII tournaments, the Final Four and even the professional basketball, Sam was willing and ready to go. He has the best seat in the house this year. Sam also stayed in touch with world events and would read anything he could get his hands on. He had a great knowledge of geography and science. He could always tell you how and why things worked from airplanes to lawnmowers. Sam could fix anything. Sam had a true grasp of the important things and didn''t just talk about it, he lived it. In the game of life, even the 50-yard line seats didn''t interest Sam, he came to play. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to: Chandler Alumni Assocation Scholarship Fund, PO Box 501, Chandler, OK 74834