Sammy Ross Shorter

Sammy SamRoss Shorter went to be with the Lord on February 9, 2007, after a short illness. Memorial services will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, February 12, 2007, at First United Methodist Church with the Reverend Jerry Turner, Dr. Pat Sparks and Reverend Bill Cunningham officiating, under the direction of Rader Funeral Home of Longview. The family will receive friends at the funeral home, Sunday evening from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. Born October 19, 1925, in Pittsburg, Kansas, Mr. Shorter is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Mary Sue Shorter. Three sons and daughters-in-law; Mike and Retta Shorter of Austin, Mark and Debra Shorter of Longview, and Patrick and Ann Shorter of Boerne. Three grandchildren, Sammy Shorter of Austin, Sarah Shorter of Longview and Mika Shorter also of Austin. Three step-grandchildren; Casey Brown of Austin, Shanna Clark of Jasper, and Ryan Mattox of Kyle. Two great grandchildren, Ashley Clark of Jasper and Jack Mattox of Kyle. One sister-in-law, Lillian Shorter of Longview; two brothers-in-law, Maurice Fletcher of Ft. Scott, Kansas and Jack and his wife, Betty Fletcher of Kansas City, Missouri and many nieces and nephews. Mr. Shorter was preceded in death by his parents, Marshall Shorter and Mary Shorter, step-mother, Dorothy Shorter; brothers, Marshall Shorter and Chuck Shorter, and sister-in-law, Lenore Shorter. He grew up in Pleasanton, Kansas. Upon graduating high school he joined the Army in 1943, and served our country during WWII. After three years active duty he was honorably discharged and joined the Army National Guard. For 37 years he served our country, achieving the rank of Colonel then retiring in 1980. Mr. Shorter worked for Sears, Roebuck & Company for 32 years, retiring in 1987. But what most remember was his unmatched sense of humor and his gentleness. His faith in God is what led him through life. He lived his faith each and every day. He served God and the community through First United Methodist Church where he was a member for 51 years. Among his many contributions to God and the church he served as co-founder of the Wednesday morning prayer breakfast, a videographer, participated on many action committees, and was an active member of the Newnham Sunday School Class whose primary mission is service to others. Mr. Shorter was very active in the Longview community including several service organizations. He was a 50 year member of the Masonic Lodge of Pleasanton, Kansas. In Longview has served the community through the Kiwanis, supported Longview Symphony in many capacities, and also served 15 years as a member of the Good Shepherd Medical Center Auxiliary. He was a member of the Native Plant Society and was an avid enthusiast of the outdoors and bird watching. The family requests memorials to be made to either First United Methodist Church or the Newnham Sunday School Class in care of the church 400 N. Fredonia St., Longview, TX, 75601. A memorial guestbook may be signed at www.raderfh.com

Sammy Ross Shorter

October 19, 1925 - February 9, 2007