Samuel Westfall

Samuel "Sam" Terrence Westfall, of Topeka, KS, passed away on Monday, March 4, 2024 at the age of 74. He was born on October 18, 1949 to John Merritt Westfall Jr. and Donna Elizabeth (Spencer) Westfall in Topeka. Shortly after graduating from Topeka High School in 1967, Sam joined the Kansas National Guard and U.S. Army, where he served until his honorable discharge in 1974.

As a young man, Sam was a member of the Boy Scouts and later enjoyed hobbies such as fishing, hunting, and softball. Later in life, Sam became a world-renowned collector of antique cameras, magic lanterns, and vintage photographic memorabilia. He developed close friendships with fellow collectors throughout the United States, Europe and Asia. As Sam's reputation grew, prestigious auction houses, such as Christies, relied on his expertise and advice.

Locally, Sam was most well-known for his printing business in Topeka, Econ-O-Print, which he founded in 1980. For 35 years, Econ-O-Print served local business, school districts and political campaigns. Sam was a natural entrepreneur and salesman, and easily connected with people from every walk of life. Sam greeted friends and strangers alike with his trademark smile, and often ended conversations by encouraging others to "Have a happy day!"

Sam will be most remembered by his family and friends, however, as an extraordinary father and grandfather, whose love for his daughters and grandchildren knew no bounds. As an avid University of Kansas fan, Sam was rarely seen without a KU ball cap, even after he moved to Texas to be close to his grandchildren. Sam loved the Jayhawks, but that passion paled in comparison to his love for his daughters and grandchildren.

Like his father before him, Sam joined the Freemasons. Carrying on his mother's legacy, Sam also was a tribal member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. His daughters and grandchildren continue that proud legacy of Native American heritage.
Now with God, Sam leaves behind many who loved him and cherish his memory, including his three daughters, Misti (Jason) Irvin of Dallas, TX, Laura (David) Rhee of Needham, MA, and Emily (Karthik Lavangu) Westfall of Brooklyn, NY, as well as his five grandchildren, McKinley Irvin, Sawyer Irvin, Joshua Rhee, Celeste Rhee, and Amos Rhee. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Linda Rickson, Michael Westfall, and Pamela Rohr.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at Silver Lake United Methodist Church, 204 Madore St, Silver Lake, KS 66539. The family will greet friends thirty minutes prior to the service, with Masonic and Military honors to take place after the service at Walnut Hill Cemetery.

Memorial contributions honoring Sam may be made to Shriner's hospitals at https://donate.lovetotherescue.org/give/273578/#!/donation/checkout

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