Partly Cloudy, 47° F
(Sept. 8, 2007)
SFC (Ret.) Dennis Neil Samsel, formerly of Powell, died Saturday, Sept. 8 in Virginia.
He was born Dec. 16, 1945, in Gillette and moved with his family to Powell as a young child. He graduated from Powell High School in 1964. He was constantly surrounded by loving family during his ordeal and will be fondly remembered, not only as a tough old soldier who courageously died after a long and brave fight, but also as a warm and loving father and family man. He was a true hero to his family and will be missed.
SFC (Ret.) Samsel entered the U.S. Army in 1964, and later on May 20, 1967 married his beloved Lannette M. Shortt of Powell, his wife of over 40 years. He spent tours of duty in the Republic of Vietnam, Germany and Korea before retiring from active duty in 1988 and civil service in 2004.
He leaves behind his wife Lannette; son Kristopher; daughter Wendy, son and daughter-in-law and grandchildren. He is also survived by his parents, Bob and Jean Samsel; and sister, Jeri Mathis. He was preceded in death by his brother, Kent Samsel.
His ashes will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery during a private ceremony on Oct. 5, 2007.
The family would welcome all correspondence to: The Samsels, 590 Sand Bank Road, Port Haywood, VA. 23138.
For those who wish, memorial donations may be directed to: Walter Reed Hospital, c/o Hospice, Rt. 17, PO Box 1130, Gloucester, VA. 23061.
