Samuel Reed Hampton

Obituary

Samuel Reed Hampton

June 10, 1935 – April 24, 2025

Samuel Reed Hampton was born June 10, 1935 to Carl and Wanda Hampton in Thermopolis, Wyoming. He passed away peacefully at the family homestead on April 24, 2025 with family at his side.

Sam (Sammy) loved school and graduated from Worland High School in 1954. He was a member of the football team, FFA and Boys State.

In 1955, Sam married the love of his life, Phyllis Hefenieder. Together they raised four children, Dan, Janna, Steve and Justin, all of whom, along with their families, continue to operate the family cattle ranch.

Sam spent his life ranching sheep and cattle, proudly continuing the Hampton family tradition established in 1911 in Washakie County. He considered both the homestead in Worland and the ranch in Ten Sleep as home.

Sam loved driving a team feeding livestock by wagon in the early years helping his father. The Wyoming Centennial Wagon Train renewed his passion as a teamster. He was committed to preserving that heritage, leading wagon train adventures with friends and neighbors from 1990 until 2009.

Sam lived by a simple yet powerful belief, "To have good neighbors, first, you must be one." His strength, generous spirit and unwavering dedication to his family, community and way of life left an indelible mark on all who knew him.

Sam was inducted into the Wyoming Cowboy Hall of Fame in 2024. Though honored, he wanted to be remembered as a sheepman. He referred to himself as "the ol' sheepherder."

Sam was a member of the Wyoming Wool Growers Association, the Wyoming Stockgrowers Association, the Elk's Club and the Lion's Club.

Sam is survived by Phyllis, his loving wife of 70 blessed years; sister, Jacque (Joe) Harrod; sons, Dan (Brenda) Hampton, Steve (Kathleen) Hampton, Justin (Kaeli) Hampton; daughter, Janna Hampton Branger (Clint); grandchildren, Jamy Cabre, Andrea (RC) Carter, Jake Branger, Carl Hampton, Alec Hampton, Reed Hampton, Allison Hampton, Nyah and Ness Campbell and great-grandchildren, Cameron, Will and Tru Carter.

Sam was preceded in death by his father, Carl Hampton; mother, Wanda Hampton; second mother, Louise Hampton; siblings, Carla Mae Macartney, Charles Hampton (infant), Paul Willis, Henrietta Kophs, Bonnie Jean Eckhardt, LaMonda Treick; son-in-law Jack Cabre and granddaughter, Joslyn Cabre.

A celebration of life for Sam will be held on May 6, at 11 am at the Zion Lutheran Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, Zion Lutheran Church, Joslyn Cabre memorial scholarship fund or donor's choice. Checks may be sent to PO Box 524, Worland, WY 82401. Online condolences may be made at www.bryantfuneralhomeonline.com