Sam Killebrew

Funeral services for Sam Randle Killebrew, age 92, of Tipton, Oklahoma, will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, May 2, 2026, at the Tipton Church of Christ, 201 North Broadway, Tipton, Oklahoma, with Ken Waugh officiating. Mr. Killebrew passed away Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at the Mercy Hospital in Kingfisher, Oklahoma.

Sam Randle Killebrew was born on December 12, 1933, near McAlester, Oklahoma, to Thomas Randle and Kay (Barnett) Killebrew. He always said that they were newcomers to this community because they did not get here until 1937. He attended all his school years in Tipton, graduating with the Class of 1951. He attended Cameron Junior College for two years, then transferred to Abilene Christian College in Abilene, Texas. He graduated on June 1st in 1955. He said graduation was very insignificant, because two days later he married the love of his life, Lois Lu Lomax.

At an early age, in the first grade, the teacher privately asked each student what did they want to do when they grew up? Sam replied, “work in a grocery store.” He dedicated his sole career to the grocery business and established a lasting vocation there. After his marriage, he worked for a west Texas chain of about twenty-two large supermarkets. He said this is where he got his real education. When he heard that the Hubble grocery in Tipton was for sale. He and Lois bought the store and on April 1, 1961, Sam’s Food Store was born. He was able to continually remodel and enlarge the store; until the store ultimately was large enough to contain a full size Ben Franklin Variety store inside. He attributes that any success attained was due to the support of the great people of Tipton and surrounding area. In 1984, he suffered a heart attack, and his physical abilities were hampered. In 1991, the store was sold to Don and Nancy Legg.

Sam loved airplanes all his life. He finally obtained his private pilot license at the age of 43. He and his good friend, Jimmie Smith, were able to own a beautiful Cessna 172 Skyhawk. After his heart problems ensued, his neighbors, O.B. and Erma influenced Sam and Lois to start camping and fishing. They purchased a 5th wheel trailer and enjoyed many years of camping with friends. They loved bus trips and Sam began hosting bus trips to Branson and other places for several years.

Sam and all his male family members were able to be a part of the Altus Barbershoppers, commonly known as the SPEBQSA (Barbershop Harmony Society). At one time there were eleven men from Tipton that were members of the Altus Chapter.

Another passion was his devotion to the Tipton Tiger Football Team. This is what occupied his mind, especially in the fall of the year. Success in winning many state championships fulfilled Sam’s dream and multitudes of other Tiger fans. This program has been nurtured into a premier top-tier leader in the state.

Through providence and God’s blessings, Sam felt that all his dreams have been fulfilled. He was eternally grateful to his parents for moving to Tipton eighty-nine years ago. The Tipton Church of Christ has sustained his family for many years. There has been an active family member in the congregation all eighty-nine years. In 1993, he, along with O.B. Dunlap were installed as elders of this congregation. Along with being an elder he was on the board of Directors for the Tipton’s Children Home. He always said that church involvement and interaction was the greatest blessing and priority in his life. He says this has been the most sobering part of his life.

Sam is survived by his daughter: Susan Kay Haynie of Kingfisher, Oklahoma; one grandson: Brandon Haynie and his wife Rebekah of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and their two children: Sutton Jo and Deacon; one granddaughter: Brooke Lemmons and her husband Jonathan of Edmond, Oklahoma, with their three children: Callan, Tatum, and Maisie; one brother: Tom Killebrew and his wife Sandy of Bentonville, Arkansas; and one sister-in-law: Linda Killebrew of Altus, Oklahoma.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Thomas and Kay Killebrew; his wife: Lois; one daughter: Mary Jane Killebrew; one son-in-law: Barry Haynie; two brothers: Robert Killebrew and Jack Killebrew; and two sisters: Roberta Ann Killebrew and Jane Jones Vaughn.

Sam states his spiritual and happy life would not have been possible without his soulmate, Lois, who was with him nearly every minute they were together. She passed away March 12th of this year.