Robert Samuel Doerflinger,"Sam", Overland Park, Kansas, formerly of Adrian, Missouri, died Saturday, November 30, 2013. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 4, 2013 at St. Mark's United Methodist Church in Overland Park, Kansas with visitation from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at the church. Burial will be in Crescent Hill Cemetery in Adrian, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mark's United Methodist Church, 6422 Santa Fe Drive, Overland Park, KS 66202.

Born February 27, 1942 in Appleton City, MO, Sam was the only child of Helen Telitha Davis and Robert Theodore Doerflinger. In 1951, the family moved to a farm west of Adrian, MO. His childhood was full of cousins, Sundays at his grandparents, and following his father and grandfather around as they built houses. He attended Adrian Schools and it was there in third grade he met Ann Hill who eventually became his wife. They married after Ann graduated from MU. They had three children: David (Emily) of Kansas City, Eric of Grandview, and Beth Vandeventer (Walter) of Parker, KS.

Sam attended Warrensburg College for two years and had begun working in Wichita. They worked with Ann's father, Gaylord "Pete" Hill –Hills Truck Line until it was sold. After that Sam worked in the trucking business for a time before he and Ann went into the printing business. After Ann passed in 2004 he worked for AIG in Olathe until he retired.

Sam married Jane Annette Conley, who had been a friend for nearly 40 years. They were together for eight joyful years.
Jane has three children also, Christopher Aaron (Vicki), Jason Marion (Meredith) and Rebecca Jane (Douglas) Van Meter. They had also known Sam for years and they loved him dearly as their step-father.

He had 8 grandchildren Andrew, Laurie, Lucy and James Doerflinger: Dana and Brent Doerflinger: Seth and Margaret Vandeventer and five step-grand children Judson and Mary VanMeter: Caleb David Conley and Vicki's sons, Chase and Xander Gilmore.

Diagnosed with Parkinson's disease Sam refused to allow it to manage him. He continued to sing in the choir, work in the Santa Fe Waystation and meet with his morning coffee and Taco Tuesday group despite the progress of the disease.

Our many friends gave invaluable help and support as Sam fought a long battle with the disease. His friends and families were the gold in his life.

Sam was a deeply committed member of St. Mark's UMC, singing in the choir and serving in multiple ways, most recently working in the Santa Fe Waystation (food pantry).