Donald Gene Sample, 57, passed away from complications from Huntington’s Disease on April 25, 2024.

Donald, also known as “Don, Donnie and D”, was born July 16, 1966, in Hoisington, Kan., to Donald Ray Sample and Marilyn Sue (McFerrin). Donald married Shauna (Bonham) June 7, 1997, in Great Bend, and were later divorced.

Donnie was raised in the Great Bend area and stomped the grounds ever since. He enjoyed motorcycles, drag racing and was a talented mechanic. With a heart that lived on adrenaline, he was never one to shy away from new things, always challenging himself to learn. He attended the Goodland Technical School where he completed the course of study. In his younger years he first worked installing carpet, until he worked shortly for A-One Radiator. From that point he attained his CDL and went to work for Circle F Hauling for several years. After Circle F Hauling, he then went on to work at Concrete Vaults, Inc., where he happily worked for around eight years, until he had to leave that profession unexpectedly. This is when he began his 15-year journey with Huntington’s Disease. For several years Don remained unemployed due to complications that restricted his abilities to function with day-to-day tasks. The progression of his disease lasted around 15 years up until his passing. Many may be unaware as to what Huntington’s Disease is. Huntington’s Disease is a neurological illness that affects the basal ganglia region of the brain. As the disease progresses, patients lose their motor functions and eventually lose the ability to walk or talk and at the end stage are often bed bound. Through all this he still managed to look for silver linings and conquered all the hardships this disease gave him.

Survivors include one son, Vincent Sample of Great Bend; one adopted son, Cody Allison and wife Miranda of Great Bend; one grandson and one granddaughter; and former wife, Shauna Rogers of Hutchinson, Kan.

Funeral Services will be at noon Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at Bryant Funeral Home, Great Bend, with Pastor Daniel Vandenburg presiding. Visitation will be from noon until 8 p.m., Monday April 29, with the family receiving friends 5 to 7 p.m., all at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorials may be given online at hdsa.org or Huntington’s Disease Society of America, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home 

1425 Patton Road

Great Bend, KS 67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, April 30, 2024