Samuel Fasnacht

Samuel B Fasnacht, our Uncle Sammy, passed away on October 27th 2021 under the loving care of The Bridge in Alamosa Colorado at 99 years of age with his niece JoLene (Fasnacht) Bullington at his side.

A gentle man, gentleman, small in stature, big in heart. He was always known to wear a dress shirt and slacks. He was a shy introvert, kind, mannerly, honest to a fault, humble, generous & many more adjectives of this man.

He was born in Laredo Texas. When his mother passed away he lived with his oldest sister Theresa (Fasnacht) Walker and her husband Otis Walker. As WWII progressed he decided to enlist in the US Army stating, “ I figured if I didn’t enlist I would get drafted anyhow.” His sister unhappily signed her baby brother’s papers for enlisting.

After basic training, Samuel attended Signal Corps training before leaving for England. He was assigned to the 124th Signal Radio Intelligence Company as a radio operator. He served in England, France and Germany. Samuel did Morse code in France copying messages from the Germans sending them to London. Samuel was discharged when the war ended and returned to the United States. His decorations and citations include: the Rhineland and Central Europe Campaigns, the EAMTO Campaign, Good Conduct (of course), and WWII Victory Medals.

When Samuel returned to civilian life he lived in Los Angeles,CA , Houston,TX, San Francisco, CA, Dallas,TX, New York, NY, Chicago,IL,  Allentown, PA, Taveras, FL and Alamosa, CO. He retired from Western Union and for a second and last time from Control Resources. His final move to Alamosa Colorado was to be closer to family.

The Consulate General of France in Los Angeles announced the President of the French Republic decided to bestow the National Order of the Legion of Honor in the rank (Knight) to Technician 3rd Grade Samuel B. Fasnacht in recognition of his heroic actions and precious contribution to the Liberation of France during WWII. The Legion of Honor was created by Napoleon in 1802 to acknowledge distinguished services rendered by persons of exceptional merit. It is THE highest distinction France bestows upon its citizens and foreign Nations.

Richard Nagley a Veteran and volunteer at the Veterans Coalition SLV ran an article in the Valley Courier paper on the French Foreign Legion Medal of Honor. Samuel’s niece JoLene (Fasnacht) Bullington of Alamosa, CO contacted Richard Nagley regarding Samuel. Samuel’s family deeply appreciates Mr. Nagley facilitating the process for Samuel to receive this great honor. On October 7th 2017 Samuel was honored and presented the French Foreign Legion Medal of Honor at the Bridge of Alamosa, CO. It IS an International Honor.

Samuel’s passion was the Big Band. His family took him anytime there was a concert and his knee and hand would be tapping and moving to the beat. He played clarinet in High School. Music was always playing in his apartment and he had quite the collection of music tapes.

Samuel is survived by: Niece- JoLene Bullington of Alamosa, CO, Great Nieces - Andrea Lewanda (Don Lawanda) of Castaic CA and Charlotte Pitts of Corpus Christi, TX. Great Nephews - Robert L Bullington Jr. (Laura Lanning) of Alamosa, CO, Evan Parker of Pasadena CA. Great great nieces- Autumn Lanning Bullington of Alamosa CO, Makenna Mileski of Boulder CO. Great great Nephew -Jordan Mileski of Glendale CA.

Preceded in death by: Parents-  John Robert and Juanita Fasnacht. Brothers- J.R. Fasnacht, Joe Fasnacht, James (Tino) Fasnacht, Edward L (Eddie) Fasnacht. Sisters- Theresa (Fasnacht) Walker, Edmee (Fasnacht) Aldridge. Nieces -Gaylee (Aldridge) Parker and Joanna Pitts. Nephew -James Pitts and Great Nephew -Edward (Eddy Lee) Bullington.

A Graveside Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, November 6, 2021 at 1:00pm at the Red River Cemetery in Red River, NM. The burial will be in the Bullington family plot.

A Memorial Service will be planned at a later date at The Bridge of Alamosa located at, 3407 Carroll St. Alamosa CO.

The family of Samuel B. Fasnacht has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home of Taos, NM. www.devargastaos.com 1-866-657-4019