Samuel Benjamin Berlin III

Celebrating His Life 

Samuel Berlin III, fondly known as Butch, was born to the late Samuel Berlin Jr. and Bettyjane Berlin on July 22, 1945.  Butch graduated from Sumner High School in May of 1963, and continued his education at Kansas City, Kansas Community College.  In late 1964, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, and achieved the rank of Sergeant (E4) as a Communication Center Specialist.  He received his honorable discharge in August of 1968, and accepted a position at the Kansas Gas Company where he celebrated a thirty plus year career.  Later, he worked for the United States Post office until he officially retired.

Butch married Ernestine Maddox on April 30, 1982.  Soon after he adopted her daughter, Nicole Joyce. “Family isn’t always blood, but we were woven together by choice, and tested by everything. “Family is not defined by our genes, it is built and maintained through LOVE.” 

Sam enjoyed fishing, cooking, spending time with friends, and always being the life of the party.

Butch departed this life on March 19, 2023, at the University of Kansas Health System.  He was preceded in death by his loving wife of twenty-five years, Ernestine Berlin; and his parents, Samuel Jr.; and Bettyjane Berlin. 

He is survived by his daughter, Nicole Brown (LaRon), two grandsons LaRon, Jr., and Jaden Brown; two granddaughters, Jayla and Nnyla Brown from Mansfield, Texas; and a host of relatives and friends.

Dad/Butch, you will be missed, but never forgotten.

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

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