Samuel "Sam" Lee Pennington

Young rancher killed while moving a portable corral

Sam Pennington, 19, died last Thursday morning following an accident at the family ranch near Lost Springs. Sam, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ted Pennington, and Bob Davis were loading a portable corral into a stock trailer.

Sam had climbed into the trailer where the panels fell on him. Mr. Davis who was unable to lift the heavy panels went for help. Sam's father and Wilbur Wright arrived at the accident site shortly after it happened and artificial resuscitation was administered prior to the arrival of the Lusk Ambulance.

The youth was transported to the Niobrara Memorial Hospital where he died.

Samuel Lee Pennington was born in Lusk on November 21, 1962. He received his education in the Lusk schools, graduating from Niobrara County High School in 1981. He was associated with his father on the ranch, following graduation. He had attended a horseshoeing school in Oklahoma City last December.

In high school Sam was active in track, football and basketball. He was president of his senior class, a member of the National Honor Society, and had visited Washington, D. C. in 1981 as a member of the Close-up group. He was a member of the Congregational Church and had completed 10 years of membership in 4-H. In 1977 he was a member of the Wyoming State Champion horse judging team that went to Northeast Regional horse judging competition in Pennsylvania.

He had his own horses and cattle, enjoyed team roping, photography and especially people.

A memorial service for the popular young man was held at the Congregational Church Monday afternoon with the Rev. Frank Blish officiating. Wanda Hansen was organist and Joy Kaltenheuser sang "Beyond the Sunset" and "The Last Roundup."

Interment was at the Lusk Cemetery. Pallbearers were, Andy Barnette, Dale Kaan, Nelson Reed, George Sturman, Bill Burt and Daryl Ellis, all members of the N.C.H.S. graduating class of 1981.

Memorials have been established to the First Congregational Church and the 4-H horse judging team. Memorials for the Judging team may be left at the Lusk State Bank.

Sam was preceded in death by one grandfather. He is survived by his parents and one sister, Diane of Lost Springs; grandparents Bernice Pennington and Ben and Rose Wolfe of Lusk; two uncles, James Pennington of Lusk and Sheridan Wolfe of Casper; one aunt Charlene Glandt of Cheyenne and many other relatives and friends.

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