Joseph Gene Sampson, age 67, of Elliott, Iowa, passed away Sunday, June 25, 2023, at the Clarinda Regional Medical Center in Clarinda, Iowa. To some, he was known as "Joe" and others knew him as "Pete". He was born October 16, 1955, in Atlantic, Iowa, the son of LeRoy and Edna (Thies) Sampson. He grew up in Walnut, Iowa, graduating with the Walnut High School class of 1973. He then served in the United States Army as an MP until completing his service in 1976. In 1977, Joe was hired as a peace officer in Griswold, Iowa, where he later became Chief of Police serving the city of Griswold for 16 years. During this time, he was united in marriage to Margaret Hurd on April 28, 1984, in Walnut, Iowa. In 1992, Joe started his career with the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office as a deputy. He was elected Sheriff in 2008 and served three terms, retiring at the end of 2020. Joe was a 50-year member of the Walnut American Legion and was proud of his service. Joe enjoyed hunting, fishing, watching western movies, puzzles, tinkering, sitting around the camp fire, being outdoors, and in his younger years he participated in competition fire arms shooting. His favorite pastime was spending time with his family especially his granddaughter, Josie. He loved attending all of her activities and thoroughly enjoyed her sporting events.

Preceding him in death were his parents; his in-laws: Harlin and Margaret Hurd; siblings: Robert Sampson; John Sampson; James "Auggie" Sampson; Mary Willie; and Walt Sampson; sister-in-law: Darlene Sampson; and brother-in-law: Thomas Willie. Survivors include his wife of 39 years: Margaret Sampson of Elliot, IA; children: Sean Sampson and wife Mallory of Red Oak, IA; Ben Sampson and wife McKenna of Red Oak,, IA; Will Sampson and wife Eva of Hyannis, NE; and Joey Sampson of Red Oak, IA; granddaughter: Josie Sampson of Red Oak, IA; brothers and sisters: Dave Sampson and wife Carol of Hancock, IA; Arnie Sampson and wife Carol of Pikeville, NC; Wayne Sampson of Underwood, IA; Susan Libby of Walnut, IA; and Martha Hargens and husband Randy of Walnut, IA; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Barb Sampson of Avoca, IA; Kay Sampson of Walnut, IA; Marilyn Rehling and husband Mile of Council Bluffs, IA; Kathleen Busch and husband Dick of Council Bluffs, IA; Carol Busch and husband Bill of Neola, IA; Janice Young and husband Jack of Omaha, NE;' John Hurd and wife Deb of Council Bluffs, IA; Sharon Shaw and husband Jim of Springfield, NE; Eileen Pierce of Prague, NE; and Nancy Gregory and husband Bob of Underwood, IA; many nieces, nephews and other relatives and many friends.

Mass will be celebrated 10 AM Thursday, June 29, 2023, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Red Oak, Iowa. Burial will be in the Layton Township Cemetery at Walnut, Iowa. A prayer service will be held at 5 PM Wednesday, June 28, 2023, at St. Mary's Catholic Church with visitation with the family to follow until 7 PM.

Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel, of Red Oak, Iowa, is in charge of arrangements.