Richard David Sampsel

Richard David “Rick” Sampsel, 79, passed away on Thursday, August 6, 2026, after a long battle with diabetes, heart disease and end stage renal failure.

Rick was born in Mansfield, Ohio, but spent much of his life in the Garland, Texas area. He attended Garland High School and later graduated from Lexington High School in Lexington, Ohio. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served for four years, primarily in Japan. He was a proud veteran and a member of both the American Legion and the VFW.

Rick was incredibly proud of his two children, five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He loved the game of golf and received his first set of clubs when he was just six years old from his grandfather, Fred Huntsman, who owned Coolridge Golf Course in Mansfield, Ohio. Golf remained an important part of his life, and over the years he played in many leagues and made many lifelong golf buddies.

Rick worked as an independent insurance agent for more than 25 years, with much of his career focused on helping seniors navigate their Medicare insurance needs. He took great pride in helping others and in the relationships he built with his clients over the years.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Kathryn Ruth “Kathy” Sampsel; his children, Jennifer and Andy Parker and Richard David Sampsel II; his grandchildren, Adrian and Kellie Parker, Ashley and Rocky Brashears, Andrew Parker and Diane Ly, and Amy and Zach Tittle; his great-grandchildren, Peyton, Brynlee and Andie Marie Parker, and Reese, Rocky and Rowen Brashears; his siblings, John Sampsel and his wife Ellen, Fred Huntsman and his wife Barb, Mike Huntsman and his wife Kelly, and Michelle Huntsman; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Shari and Willie McCartney; his sister-in-law, Phyllis McLaughlin; his stepmother, Betty Jo Huntsman; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William David Huntsman and Dorothy Mae Sampsel; his adoptive father, Kenneth Sampsel; his granddaughter, Abigail Marie Parker; and his brother, Edward Sampsel.

In his final days, Rick was given the opportunity to continue helping others through the gift of organ donation. Surrounded by family and friends, he was honored with an Honor Walk as he was taken to surgery, a moving tribute to the life he lived and the gift he was able to give another person and family.

Above all, Rick loved his family and was immensely proud of each of them. He will be remembered for the life he lived, the people he helped, the friendships he made and the countless stories and memories his family will carry with them for generations to come.

In lieu of flowers, Kathy and the family ask that those wishing to honor Rick’s memory consider making a contribution to one of his favorite charities or to a charity that is meaningful to them.

One of the causes especially close to Rick’s heart was the Abigail Parker Memorial Fund, established in memory of his granddaughter, Abby. Contributions may be made in Rick’s memory at:

https://www.pledge.to/in-loving-memory-of-rick-paw-paw-sampsel

A portion of the contributions received through this memorial will also be donated to the American Kidney Fund in Rick’s memory.