Joseph Samples

Joseph D. Samples was born in Hamilton, Ohio, on April 16, 1965 and was
called home on November 20, 2014. He was the tenth of thirteen children,
and one of three sets of twins, born from the union of Zethalene C. (Dean) and
Ira L. Samples. Joseph completed elementary school in the Hamilton Public
School District before going on to attend St. Ann’s and Stephen T. Badin High
School, respectively. He is a 1983 graduate of the Oneida Baptist Institute, an
independent boarding school in Oneida, KY. Professionally, Joseph trained
as a electrician at the Butler and Warren County Joint Apprenticeship and
Training Program. He successfully completed his training and graduated as
a Board Certified Journeyman Electrician in 1992. Over several decades,
Joseph built a successful and rewarding career in the field as a member the
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Local 648.
Joseph often walked to the beat of his own drum, with little regard for what
others might think. However, he was a great friend and a wonderful support
to those who knew him. If ever needed, Joseph never failed to lend a hand or
to use his skills to help others. In recent years, Joseph played an instrumental
role in the care of his parents (particularly his father, whose health had been
declining). Not only did Joseph dedicate himself to assisting his parents with
daily tasks, he also extended himself to others whenever possible. He had
a special fondness for the elderly. His oldest and dearest friend was James
Medley, who was like a second father to Joseph.
Joseph was a loving son, brother, cousin, and uncle who will be most
remembered for his easy smile, infectious laugh and his love of sports. Joseph
had a smile that brightened a room, and he loved to make others laugh.
An avid sports fan, Joseph could often be found watching live sporting
events, attending athletic contests in support of his nieces and nephews, or
passionately engaged in discussion of teams, players and coaches.
Joseph is preceded in death by his father, Ira L. Samples. Left behind to cherish
his wonderful memory are his mother, Zethalene C. Samples; his siblings,
Demetrius Samples of Denver, CO; Zipporah Samples (Henry) Jackson;
Isaiah Samples of Houston, TX; Lamidia Hayes of Aurora, CO; Lamidius
(Thumnieb) Samples, Saymara (Lonnie) Nicks, Malachi Samples of St. Paul,
MN; Dr. Faith Samples (Leon) Smart of Bogota, NJ; Joshua (Heidi) Samples
of West Des Moines, IA; Dr. Lydia Samples (Kevin) Mattison of Louisville,
KY; Lydell (Keena) Samples; Hezekiah (Nicole) Samples; Siyon (Antwon)
Ware; and Siyonda (Carlos) Nadal; a host of nieces and nephews, other family
and friends.
The absence of his laughter and the warmth of Joseph’s smile will leave an
immeasurable hole in the lives of many. He will truly be missed.