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Art passed away on August 8, 2024 after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was born on October 12, 1931 in Benton Harbor, Michigan to Arthur Edward Samson and Virginia Eichenberger Samson. For the first 10 years Art grew up during the depression and that made a significant impression on him as a young boy. He told stories of living in a tent during the summer months and only having a new pair of shoes just before school started in the fall.
Art graduated from Buchanan High School in 1947. He was employed at Whirlpool in Benton Harbor before attending Benton Harbor Community College, now known as Lake Michigan College. Art then moved to Kalamazoo to attend Western Michigan University. During his time in Kalamazoo, Art entered the Military and was placed with the 855th Engineer Aviation Battalion at Wolters Air Force Base in Mineral Wells, Texas. He received an honorable discharge in 1956 and returned to Kalamazoo to continue his education and finished his Bachelor degree in Sociology.
Art started working at Checker Motors Corp. in Kalamazoo in 1959 as the Human Resource Manager. He retired from Checker Motors in 1992 as Assistant Vice President of Personnel and Industrial Relations Manager.
Art enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time at his place up north at the lake. He was interested in genealogy and history and many family vacations included historic places. Art served his local community for many years on the Galesburg-Augusta Board of Education and with Charleston Township on multiple boards. Art also served as a long-time trustee of the National Industrial Group Pension Plan (NIGGP).
Art was survived by a daughter, Colleen Cook, a son Arnold Samson (Sue), brother Alan Samson (Gaylynn), sister Dorothy Hess (Bill), several nieces and a nephew. Also surviving are grandchildren Devon Jones, Myra Murray (Taylor), Lynn Samson (Morgan Long), step granddaughter Brittany Aukerman, great granddaughters Raven Samson, Brooklyn Sweat, Delta Murray, Eleanor Murray, and great grandson Colt Murray. Art was preceded in death by his parents, wife Marlene Samson, son Andrew Samson, sister Carol Boyer and son-in-law Larry Cook.
Funeral services with military honors were held at Fort Custer National Cemetery on August 14, 2024.