Otis Armstrong

Otis DeWayne Armstrong, known to all who loved him as "Sam," passed away on February 14, 2025, in Clinton, Oklahoma, at the age of 70. Though his given name was Otis, he much preferred Sam, and if you called him otherwise...well, let's just say you probably didn't do it twice.

Born on May 24, 1954, in Oklahoma City, Sam lived a life full of adventure, mischief, and unwavering devotion to those he cared for. Over the years, he called many places home, including Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Enid, Clinton, Maryland, and even Germany, where he spent part of his childhood. While living there, he became fluent in German and even acted as an unofficial translator for military personnel and their families-an early sign of his lifelong dedication to service.

Sam lived by his own code. Fiercely protective of his family and a formidable adversary to anyone who dared cross him, he transformed from a spirited troublemaker into a disciplined force of nature through military school. He went on to serve in not one, not two, but three branches of the military-Army, Navy, and Air Force. Though much of his service remains a mystery (as classified as some of the books he loved to read), what is known is that he spent much of his time as a Military Policeman and honed his driving skills by, as he put it, "dodging landmines."

After leaving the military, Sam continued his commitment to service as a police officer in Oklahoma, where he trained K9 units. His favorite four-legged partner, Cujo, was especially skilled at his job-though whether that was due to Sam's training or sheer attitude remains debatable. His connection with animals extended beyond the force; Sam had an uncanny ability to communicate with them, earning him comparisons to Dr. Dolittle-minus the medical degree and (maybe) the ability to hear them talk.

Over the years, Sam wore many hats, including those of a farmer (at his son's Montessori school), a surgical assistant in hospitals across Oklahoma, and an unwavering supporter of his community. Whether donating plasma, volunteering his time, or simply showing up when someone needed him, Sam was always ready to help.

Beyond his work, Sam had a vibrant personality and a wide array of passions. He was an exceptional Mahjong player, a devoted bibliophile who could devour a 500-page book in a day, and a lover of all things sci-fi and mystery. If it had "Star" in the title-Star Trek, Star Wars, Stargate-he was there for it (except for those Disney sequels, but we won't talk about that). He was also a lifelong fan of Law & Order (chun-chun), Battlestar Galactica, Doctor Who, and CSI-pretty much anything that involved solving crimes or traveling through space and time.

Sam had a special appreciation for the finer things in life-like a greasy double-meat Whataburger with cheese (no pickles, extra onions) and a Diet Dr. Pepper. He played rummy with family, blasted his favorite music (whether you wanted to hear it or not), and could Boogaloo down Broadway with the best of them. His music taste was eclectic, spanning from Cher and Lady Gaga to The Mamas & the Papas, Iron Butterfly, and Elvis. His favorite radio station? KOMA, of course.

In his later years, he enjoyed playing Bingo, listening to music and watching TV (both at full volume), chatting with his son, and sharing stories with fellow veterans. Through it all, he never lost his humor, his passion, or his ability to leave an impression.

Sam was married twice and had one long-time mistress-cigarettes-who, in the end, got the best of him. But his true love, if he had one, was likely Jill, his son's mother, whom he met in a psychiatric facility (because, as they say, they were "crazy" about each other).

Sam is survived by his son, Mikey Armstrong, and Mikey's wife, Trish Armstrong; his brother, Michael Armstrong; and his sister, Angelina Denise DiBonto. He is also survived by his niece, Missty DiBonto, and her wife Ashley DiBonto; his nephew Dillen Bloomer; his grand-nephew, Kaden DiBonto and grand-niece, Emma DiBonto; and his nephew, Devin Todd.

Sam's legacy also lives on through his extended family and close loved ones, including Heather Hume, Vickie Garland, Katie Shepheard, Heavin Schieberl, Paul Cole, Jordan Mook, Buck Craig, Kira Lambillotte, Brooke Cook, Katelyn Craig, and Chris Armstrong. Though he was not one to collect friends, those who knew him will carry his memory forward with the same fierce spirit and humor he was known for.

Sam was preceded in death by his daughter, Kathryn Armstrong, and his wife, Jill Armstrong, as well as his mother, Ruby Meyer, and his father, Bobby Armstrong. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Ellen DiBonto. While he has departed this world, the mark he left on those he loved will endure.

Sam was a man who was impossible to forget. Even if you didn't like him, somehow, you always ended up loving him. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

Now, is all of this true? Who can say...but what we can say is...

Fair winds and following seas, Sam. You lived life your way, and we wouldn't have expected anything less.

A viewing / visitation for Sam will be held from 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM at Schaudt's Glenpool-Bixby Funeral Service, 1329 East 151st St. Glenpool, OK 74033.

A funeral will follow at 12:00 PM at Schaudt's Glenpool-Bixby Funeral Service, 1329 East 151st St. Glenpool, OK 74033.

A committal burial will be held the same day at Fort Gibson National Cemetery, 1423 Cemetery Rd, Fort Gibson, OK 74434, at 2:30 PM.

Arrangements are entrusted to Schaudt's Glenpool-Bixby Funeral Service, 1329 East 151st St. Glenpool, OK 74033. Family and friends may leave kind words of comfort, special memories and condolences to the family online at www.schaudtfuneralservice.com