Sam “Sammy” M. Retherford, a longtime Cushing resident, passed away on Saturday, June 14, 2008 at his home at the age of 68 years.

Sammy was born on March 17, 1940 in Tulare, California.

As a young boy, Sammy moved with his family to Cushing, where he attended Cushing schools and graduated with the class of 1960.

He was a member of the Perkins Church of the Firstborn.

As he was able he enjoyed camping and fishing but most of all he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.

Sammy had worked for Mac’s Quick Lube in Cushing for over twenty years before retiring in 2005.

Survivors include two sons, Robert Retherford and his fiancé Nicki of Cushing; and Charles Retherford of Shawnee; two daughters, Cindy DeShazer and her husband Russell of Drumright; and Anita Jennings of Cushing; two sisters, Rosie Gray and her husband Ralph of Parkland; and Grace McEntire and her husband Otho of Parkland; ten grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends, including his longtime companion Mary Sago of Cushing.

Sammy was preceded in death by his parents, Nathan and Hazel Retherford; one brother, Thomas Retherford; and one sister, Lois Huckabay.

Funeral services have been entrusted to the Palmer Marler Funeral Home, Cushing, Oklahoma and will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 17, 2008 in the Palmer Marler Funeral Home Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Parkland Cemetery, Parkland, Oklahoma.