Samuel Camos

Samuel “Sam” Camos, 88 of Clive, Iowa was welcomed home to Heaven on
September 3, 2021. Sam was born July 7, 1933, in Pueblo, Colorado to Macario and Maria (Mary) Camus. His Italian/Filipino family also included siblings Macario Jr.
(Mac), Thomas, Martha (Jean), and Daniel. Sam loved sports! He was involved in basketball, track, football, and baseball. For years, Sam and his neighborhood friends also played fast pitch softball and eventually won the Colorado State Championship. The love of music ran in his family and he was bitten by the entertainment bug as a teen. He played the clarinet and trumpet but eventually switched to the bass. Sam was blessed with a deep, rich voice. He sang in the school choir and performed in high school musicals, too. After high school, Sam played in his brother’s band. Then he was asked to join a trio that traveled to other states.

In 1955 Sam was drafted into the Army. He was stationed in Korea with the 8th Tank Battalion attached to the 24th Division. There he drove tanks, had training in heavy weapons, and was assigned reconnaissance just miles from the DMZ for peacekeeping patrol after the Korean War.

The Army tour of duty gave Sam some valuable music connections. He
became acquainted with a few of the other soldiers who were musicians.
An officer who played saxophone joined with Sam and others to form a
“big band.” They toured and performed in Korea, Japan, and Okinawa
along with other vocalists and a comedian. Sam studied music at Western State College in Colorado, with a Vocal major and String Instruments minor. He played with a student band, which performed all over Colorado playing for other schools. Their mode of transportation or “limousine” was an old hearse!

In 1957 Sam was asked to join a pit band for summer stock theater in Lincoln, Nebraska. Later he ended up in Des Moines and decided to form his own groups: Bob and Sammy’s Calypso Duo and The Sammy Camus Trio. He also found time to attend Barber school. After Sam and Lorene were married in 1963, something seemed to be missing in their lives. One Sunday at church, they felt the Holy Spirit calling them. They both rushed to the altar and gave their hearts and lives to the Lord. It was a life changing decision, Sam had a new song to sing and everyone he met knew it. He had a new life leader in Jesus. He was performing for a different audience, singing hymns in the church choir and using his talents for God’s glory. For years he sang in the “Living Tree” at Christmas time along with many of his kids and grandkids. His faith and music have had a profound effect on many who knew him and will be felt for generations to come. What a blessing!

Sam landed in the elevator trade thanks to his brother-in-law, Bill. As Sam put it, he “fell” into a good career. He enjoyed his family and spending time with his grandkids and great grandkids (who affectionately called him “Poppy”). Sam loved large family meals at Chriss and Lori’s homes, and always looked forward to the desserts! Occasionally he joined Mark’s band on stage for a song or two, had impromptu “jam” sessions in Ken’s studio,
and harmonized with the Krantz brothers as “Sammy and the Monotones” at church. Sam and Sam Jr. used their dueling ukuleles to entertain at Walnut Ridge, where he also gave ukulele lessons.

When Sam married his “Valentine” Gloria Hall, the man of humble beginnings became the patriarch of a large blended family (made complete after finding daughter Christy). The family’s shared love for Jesus made it all work. Sam’s voice, his smile, and his sweet spirit will be greatly missed. He would often say, “I want my kids and grandkids to know that we are here for a purpose, to serve the Lord. It’s all about Him!”

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife Gloria; sister, Jean Monaco; sons, Sam Jr (Chriss) Camus, Mark (Cheryl) Camos, Ken (Barb) Wetzell, Steve (Teri) Krantz, Kevin (Beth) Krantz, Ken (Sarah) Krantz; daughters, Christy (David) Truly, Lori (David) Emerson, Roberta Brookes; grandchildren, Tiffany (Landon) Klouda, Brandon (Mallory) Camus, Tyler
Camus, Josh (Janel) Camos, Amy Wetzell, Erika Wetzell, Ryan (Saadat) Johnson, Stephanie (Mitch) Lee, Jason Krantz, Alex (Ryan) Molinaro, Katy Krantz, Jeffrey Krantz, Loren Krantz, Michael (Natalie) Truly, Adam (Alaina) Emerson, Isaac (Laura) Emerson, Gabrielle Emerson, Caleb (Ericka) Emerson, Donnie (Chelsea) Brookes, Faith (Trey) Vinzant, Josiah Brookes, Sophia Brookes; great –grandchildren, Colton, Cadence, Catalina, Cashus, Skye, Olivia, Kallen, Dakota, Jayden, Zoe, Kenzlee, Kamryn, Ellie, Greyden, Camryn, Isaiah, Jacob, Cole, Tylib, Jenna (Josh), Jessica, Jorja, Jersie,
Elijah, Ramona, and Breckyn; his Colorado family, the Sims family, and
countless extended family and friends.

Meeting him in Heaven are his parents; siblings, Mac Camus, Tom Camus, Danny Camus; Lorene Camos, Charwyn Fisher, and Barbara Coldiron.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 21, 2021, at First Church of the Open Bible, 2200 Beaver Avenue in Des Moines with visitation taking place one hour prior. For those unable to attend, the service will be live streamed at funeral service for Sam Camos. Burial will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Adel.

The family would like to thank the Mercy West nurses for their kind and compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that memorials be sent to: First Church of the Open Bible (2200 Beaver Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310). Donations website:https://www.firstchurchdsm.org/give {choose Sam Camos Memorial from
dropdown menu}

Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

Print