Mass of Christian Burial for Samuel Leroy Saylor, Jr., 87 year-old Weatherford, Oklahoma resident, will be held Thursday, March 6, 2014 at 1:00 P.M. at St. Eugene Catholic Church with Father Chris Tran officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery under the direction of Lockstone Funeral Home.

Sam was born September 21, 1926 to Samuel Leroy and Ruby (Shorter) Saylor, Sr. in Washington, D.C. and passed away Saturday, March 1, 2014 at Corn Heritage Village of Weatherford. Sam was raised and attended school in Washington, D.C.

At the age of 17 years, Sam enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he proudly served aboard the USS Connolly, a destroyer escort. He served in the Pacific Theater, earning two battle stars for combat at Iwo Jima and Okinawa. After being discharged in 1946, Sam joined the Naval Reserve. On May 3, 1947, he married LaVerne Hamburger and they made their home in Washington, D.C. Sam worked in the printing trade until recalled to active duty in June 1950. He served aboard the USS Albuquerque, PF7 for 27 months, earning three battle stars during the Korean War. Sam was released from active duty in 1953 and continued to serve in the Naval Reserve. He retired after 36 years of service as a Senior Chief Gunners Mate.

In civilian life, Sam was employed in the private printing sector and the Government Printing Office. He retired as Head of the Government Printing Office in 1981. Sam served in this position under President Carter and Reagan.

Sam is survived by his wife of 66 years, LaVerne Saylor of Weatherford, Oklahoma; daughter, Linda Drake and husband, Dale of Omaha, Nebraska; and grandson, Christopher Pendleton of Los Angeles, California. He was preceded in death by his parents.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be sent to the Destroyer Escort Historical Museum, PO Box 1926, Albany, NY 12201-1926. This organization was very special to Sam.