Sam D. Elias

Birth: December 31, 1928 | Died: September 15, 2024

Sam Donald Elias passed away with his family by his side on September 15, 2024 in Orange California at the age of 95 years. Sam is the son of Floyd S. and Adele (Suleiman) Elias and was born on December 31, 1928, in Persia, Iowa. He graduated from Persia High School with the class of 1947, and briefly attended college at the University of Iowa in Iowa City. Sam worked with his father, Floyd, and grandfather, Sam, at the Economy Store in Persia, which was renamed to Elias Super Market at his recommendation. Sam joined the United States Marine Corps in September of 1950 and served in the Korean War from May of 1951 through April of 1952. He became a corporal while in Korea and upon returning stateside became a sergeant. Sam was honorably discharged in September, 1953. Sam married Betty Nama, of Shelton, Nebraska in May of 1955. They lived briefly in Persia, then moved to Pasadena, California, in October of 1955. Sam worked for Safeway, Commercial Credit Corporation, and later owned his own business, Guardian National Systems. Betty was an attorney and later appointed as judge for North Orange County Municipal Court. Sam loved agriculture and studied agronomy and enjoyed managing his Iowa farmland. Sam and Betty had no children but hosted Sam’s brothers’ families for numerous vacations to Southern California over the years. Betty died in July of 1996. In August of 2000, Sam married Josephine Fawaz of Huntington Beach, California, and was blessed by Josephine’s sons and their families. Sam and Josephine traveled several times to the Holy Land, including the village of Fih, El Koura, Lebanon, the home of Sam’s ancestors. Sam especially loved Josephine’s hospitality and her famous Lebanese cooking. He also loved walking and exercise to stay in good physical condition. He continued to go to the health club well into his 80s. Sam was a Shriner and member of the Kiwanis and the Masons of California. He was a member of Anaheim United Methodist Church for many years and especially enjoyed Bible study on Saturday mornings with a group of men at the church. Sam was preceded in death by his parents, all four of his brothers, George, Larry, Ronald, and Norman, and his first wife, Betty. Sam is survived by his wife, Josephine, stepsons Amin (his wife Julie), Ramzi (Sunday), Nadim (Alice), 12 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren, eight nieces and nephews and their families, including fifteen great nieces and nephews, and 9 great-great nieces and nephews. A memorial service to celebrate Sam’s life will be held at Anaheim United Methodist Church, 1000 S State College, Blvd, Anaheim, California on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to Anaheim United Methodist Church.