Major Mark Steven "Tubo" Sams

Major Mark Steven "Tubo" Sams, USMC (Retired) passed away on December 31, 2017 at age 67 in Tallahassee, Florida. Mark was born in Kensington, Pennsylvania in 1950. After graduating from Ohio State University in 1971, he was commissioned a 2nd Lt. in the U.S. Marine Corps. During his Marine Corps career, his first assignment was as a tank and light armored reconnaissance platoon commander. In 1986, he was assigned duties as an Aerial Observer with Marine Observation Squadron Two, Camp Pendleton, California. During this assignment he deployed to the Persian Gulf for “Operation Earnest Will,” when President Reagan ordered the escort of Kuwaiti oil tankers. He also was deployed to our southern border for Joint Drug Enforcement Interdiction operations. In 1990, Mark was hand selected as an instructor for the Naval Strike Warfare Center in Fallon, Nevada. It is the premier school for integrating advanced tactics and weapons for the Navy’s Aircraft Carrier Battle Group. During this time, he deployed to Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. After retiring from the US Marine Corps Major Sams was a helicopter pilot and deputy for the Levy County Sheriff’s Office. After leaving the Sheriff’s Office he was a fixed wing pilot for the Florida Department of Agriculture, Division of Forestry for fifteen years. During his career with Forestry he provided aerial support to wildland firefighters on the ground. When not flying Mark enjoyed being at the beach and spending time with his friends. A memorial service to celebrate Mark Sams and to thank all his wonderful friends who enriched his life will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, January 6th, at Bevis Funeral Home, located at 200 John Knox Road in Tallahassee, Florida. Mark is survived by his niece Yvette Cunat, his great nephew Ryan Krocker, and his wife, Laura Bruce. Mark was preceded in death by his mother Margaret Dannemiller, his father Norman Sams, and his sister Dian Cunat. The family requests in lieu of flowers a memorial contribution may be made to a veterans service organization or the St. Jude Children’s Research Center 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Kelly Barber of Bevis Funeral Home in Tallahassee (850/385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) is assisting the Sams family with their arrangements.

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Major Mark Steven "Tubo" Sams

August 17, 1950 - December 31, 2017