Kenneth Anthony Sampson

Funeral Mass for Kenneth Anthony Sampson, lifelong resident of Baton Rouge formerly of Mansura, will begin at 11:00am on Saturday, October 21, 2023, at St. Paul Catholic Church in Mansura with Fr. Blake Deshautelle officiating. Burial will follow at the St. Paul Cemetery in Mansura.

Kenneth A. Sampson, age 60, passed away on Monday, October 2, 2023, in Alexandria, LA.

From an early age, Kenneth exhibited exceptional athleticism and dedication to education. As a graduate of Mansura High School, he left an indelible mark on the track and basketball teams. At the age of 18, he made the honorable decision to serve his country and enlisted in the US Army. With pride and bravery, Kenneth embarked on tours in Germany and Greece, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to protecting and serving others.

Upon returning from his military service, Kenneth embraced a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. Fueled by his innate curiosity and passion for helping others, he achieved academic success, earning a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from LSU and a Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling from Southern University. His scholarly achievements stood as a testament to his dedication and intellectual prowess.

Throughout his life, Kenneth took immense pride in instilling a love for education in his children, Keishondra and Kenyan. As a devoted husband to Michele Woods-Sampson and a dedicated father, Kenneth approached his family life with unwavering love, compassion, and dedication. His unwavering support and encouragement nurtured his children's ambitions, inspiring them to excel in their own endeavors.

Professionally, Kenneth exemplified his commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others as a compassionate juvenile counselor. With his empathetic nature and unwavering belief in the potential of young souls, he brought hope and guidance into the lives of countless individuals.

May his soul find rest, comfort, and eternal peace. May his memory continue to inspire and be a blessing to everyone whose lives he impacted.

Those left to cherish his memory are his loving, devoted wife, Michele Woods-Sampson, J.D., M.L.I.S. of Baton Rouge, LA; daughter, Dr. Keishondra Sampson, M.D. of Baton Rouge, LA (fiancé, Justin Lamotte of New York, NY); son, Kenyan Sampson of Baton Rouge, LA; his sisters, Gail M. Sampson (Herman Dupas) of Mansura, LA, Joycelynn Lewis of Pineville, LA, Sandra Jenkins of Mansura, LA, Sharon Sampson of Woodworth, LA; brothers, Joseph Walter, Jr. of Mansura, LA, Jimmy Sampson of Mansura, LA, Paul Sampson (Candi) of Baton Rouge, LA, Blaine Hollis of Cottonport, LA; and grand dog, Septi. He is survived by his great aunt, Theresa Johnson of Mansura, LA, Mary Cecil Simon of Mansura, LA, Mariah Simon (Samuel) of Marksville, LA; aunts, Connie Murray of Mansura, LA, Mary C. Sampson of Mansura, LA, Linda Dobbins of Evergreen, LA, and Earline Sampson of Mansura, LA; uncles, John Sampson of Evergreen, LA, Landry Sampson (Lorraine) of Marksville, LA, and Bernard Dobbins (Rose) of Evergreen, LA; good friend & uncle, Attorney Donald Dobbins (Cassandra) of Baton Rouge, LA; good friends and cousins, Alvin Douglas of Baton Rouge, LA, Rev. Dr. Ronald Robertson of Prairieville, LA & Rev. Donald Robertson of Baton Rouge, LA; special nephew, Kevin Sampson (Jarie) of Pineville, LA; special cousin, Christopher Sampson of Phoenix, AZ and Clyde James of Houston, TX.  He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Alex Sampson and Mary Celina Walter Sampson; brother, John Wayne Sampson; mother-in-law, Lillie B. Woods; brothers-in-law, Bruce Woods and Dietrich Woods.

Visitation will begin at 5:00pm until 8:00pm on Friday, October 20, 2023, at Escude Funeral Home in Mansura with a rosary prayer service at 6:00pm and will resume at 8:00am until 10:45am on Saturday, October 21, 2023, at Escude Funeral Home.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Escude Funeral Home (318-964-2324) 6608 Porterie St. Mansura, LA 71350.