Dec. 10, 1926 - Nov. 25, 2015
Samuel G. Leftwich was a breach baby, born December 10, 1926 in a blizzard, in an unheated farmhouse in Homer, NE. He passed away November 25, 2015 in NV at the age of 88. At 17, he joined the Navy in June of 1944 and was a tail gunner on a PBM Mariner in the Pacific Theater in WWII. Sam returned to Omaha in June of 1946, where he attended the University of Nebraska at Omaha where he received a degree in business. He was always a Big Red fan. He met the love of his life, Doris Mae Krupa at college and they were married in October of 1950. He began his career working in the stockroom of SS Kresge 5 and 10 cent tore. Over the next 11 years, they had 6 children, 5 sons, and one daughter. They moved 8 times as he rose through the ranks of Kresge/K-Mart. His family was always first, and his integrity was impeccable. In 1986, at 60 years of age, Sam retired as President, CEO, and Vice Chairman of the Board of K-Mart Corporation, then employing 350,000 worldwide. His early retirement was long planned to enjoy his wife and family. They built a home on the main channel in Oxnard, CA where they enjoyed boating and their children. They also had a home in Incline Village, NV which served as a winter retreat. They traveled the world together for only 5 years before Dorie passed away on August 4th, 1991. With a heavy heart, Sam was able to move and married his currently wife, Dorothy Sparrow on
January 2nd, 1993. They resided in Incline Village and Santa Barbara, CA until recently when Sam moved to Carson City to be closer to children, grand children, and his first great grandson, Connor. Sam is survived by his 6 children: James, Scott, Sharon (husband Greg) Lewandowski, Thomas, Robert, and William. His grandchildren: Amber, Ian, Samantha, and Dorie, and his great grandson, Connor, along with his wife, Dorothy. He will be missed, having helped so many.
In the Spring, there will be a celebration of his life and he will rest beside Dorie in Incline village, NV.
