Denny Sampson was born in Idaho in 1930, the eldest of four children of George and Elizabeth Sampson. When he was twelve the family moved to McGill, Nevada. Denny graduated from White Pine High School, attended colleges in California and enlisted in the Army. He joined the United States Marshals Service and retired after thirty-six years of service. During his time as a US Marshal, he was appointed twice by President Richard Nixon and twice by President Ronald Reagan to be the United States Marshal for the State of Nevada.
He was predeceased by his parents; his sister and brother-in-law, Jere (Harold) Thistle; his first wife, Anne; son Todd; and grandsons Dylan and Sean. He is survived by his wife, Nancy; daughter Leanne; sons Scott and Clay; stepson Dru (Tammy) Blanc; brother Buddy (Patricia); sister Peggy Gale; sister-in-law Crystal Compese; grandchildren Jesse, Bryce, Caitlin, Dazil, Sarah and step-grandchildren David, Victoria, Allyson, Samantha, William, and Harrison; seven great-grandchildren; daughters-in-law Denise and Annie; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and their children and grandchildren.
Denny was a Nevada success story: catcher for the American Legion 1947 Nevada State Champion baseball team; 1948 student body president in Ely; semi professional baseball catcher with the Cashman Cowboys in Las Vegas; many high-profile positions with the US Marshals Service, receiving commendations and recognition from President John Kennedy and US Attorney General Robert Kennedy. He loved White Pine County and maintained many friends from those years. He was well known in legal and law enforcement circles in Las Vegas and Reno. He had offices in the US Post Office building now known as The Mob Museum and later in the new Foley Federal Building. He was a great storyteller, with lots of stories from McGill and his working days. He was a very funny man, leaving lots of laughs in his wake. He was loved and respected by his extended family and his honesty, integrity, stories, wit and love will be missed by all.
He passed away on December 6, 2022. He did not want to be mourned at a funeral service, so at his request we will be celebrating his life on Saturday, March 25, 2023 at Viva Mercado’s Restaurant, 9440 W. Sahara Avenue #165, Village Square, Las Vegas NV from 2-4 pm