Samuel (Sam) Randolph

Samuel (Sam) Randolph

June 3, 1917 — Aug. 16, 2007

MONTROSE — Samuel (Sam) Randolph passed away early Thursday morning, Aug. 16, 2007, at the age of 90. Sam was born to Rosella Rogers Randolph and Samuel H. Randolph, on June 3, 1917 in Fort Wayne, Ind. Through his early years he attended Catholic School, and worked at Magnavox, assembling speakers. He then went to Barber School in his 20's. His father owned a cigar factory during his youth in Indiana, and his mother was a housewife. Then he met Isabelle Raymond, and was married on Feb. 3, 1940. During their brief marriage, they had a son named Steven. They later divorced.

Sam was working as a brakeman on the Pennsylvania Railroad when he met Ara Miska Hopkins, a nurse in Indiana. They were married on May 25, 1946 in Lafayette, Ind. They then moved to Lookout Mountain, Colo. in 1948. There they traded a car for Cowhide Corners gift shop located on Lookout Mountain. From there, with the help of his close brother-in-law Perry Hopkins, they established Sam's of Lookout Mountain. It became Sam’s Tavern/Restaurant with a view and a gift shop that sold souvenirs and Indian jewelry. They owned Sam’s until 1972. He also ran a gift shop out of the Teepees by Evergreen and the Chuck-wagon Restaurant. Furthermore he had a shop in a reproduction western town in Golden, called East Tincup, where he enjoyed dressing up in old western movie type clothes and acting the part of a gunfighter. He collected guns which resulted in one of the few collections of the State Centennial pistol guns made by the Colt gun company. He then created a museum, which held antique cars, antiques, guns and other collectibles. In 1972, he moved the family to Salida, Colo. to start a gift shop called the Indian Trading Post. There he helped build the Salida Museum. In 1982, the family moved to Montrose, Colo. Here he helped establish Spring Creek Cable, who his children Kathy Randolph Unrein and Tom Randolph owned. Many times you would see him sitting in the office answering phones, or watching TV.

He was a man who loved cars of all types, collecting anything and everything, including coins, old guns, driving about town, roses and watching his children, grand and great- grandchildren grow. He would often help with community activities that his family was involved in at the time. He will best be remembered for wanting grey hair, and telling you that he loved your grey hair, or what a nice smile that you had. He would often be content eating popcorn and vanilla ice cream while watching the world go by. He always had several dogs and ponies at his side throughout the years. He had the privilege of sharing 53 years of marriage to Ara Miska (Hoppy) Randolph.

Sam is survived by his children: Steven Randolph of Conroe, Texas; Tom Randolph of Delta; Sally Johnson of Montrose; and Pam Flores of Delta; also his grandchildren: Casey Randolph, Jon Johnson, Jamie Weekley, Tia Randolph, Kristine Johnson and Sebastian Flores; six great- grandchildren, along with brother-in-law (like a brother) Perry Hopkins, and sister-in-law Elizabeth Hopkins. He has numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces/nephews that all loved him dearly. He had many friends in the area that he would hang out with and everyone knew Old SAM by his car, while he was people watching or just driving around.

He was preceded in death by his wife Ara Miska (Hoppy), his son Sam Jr. and daughter Kathy Randolph Unrein.  

Visitation for family and friends is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 23, 2007 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Sunset Mesa Funeral Directors Chapel at 155 Merchant Drive, Montrose, CO.  A funeral service to honor and celebrate Sam's life will be held on Friday evening, Aug. 24, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. with a reception to follow, also at the funeral home.  Interment will follow at the Rockland Cemetery at Lookout Mountain, Jefferson County, Boulder, Colo. on Sunday, Aug. 26, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. Arrangements are being handled under the care and direction of Sunset Mesa Funeral Directors, 155 Merchant Drive, Montrose, CO  81401.  Visit our website, sign the online register and send Sam's family condolences at www.sunsetmesafuneraldirectors.com.