Laswell, Samuel Haskew. Age 83. Sam slipped the surly bonds of earth and touched the face of God early in the morning August 2, 2026. Sam, a proud United States Air Force veteran is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Judith Sundell Laswell. He is also survived by his sons Thomas and David, brother Glenn (late Dorothy), sister Anita Gentry (Brian). Predeceased by his parents Wallis Laswell (1988) and Hazel Dean Laswell (2004) and his brother-in-law Ron Curran.

Sam was born in Detroit, Mich., at home, surprising both his mother by his quick arrival and his father when he got home from work. He attended Detroit Redford High School, Henry Ford Community College where he graduated with an associate’s degree, and Western Michigan University where he met Judy on a blind date in 1964. They married July 8, 1966, and Sam enlisted in the Air Force in August 1966. Once his service was completed, he returned to WMU to finish his degree.

Sam taught Automotive Technology classes at the community college level for 11 years. He thought he had life figured out until God called him, first as a deacon at Hope Reformed Church, South Haven, Mich., and later, after completing a Masters of Divinity Degree in 1994, as a pastor in New York and Illinois before returning to the Detroit area. He retired in 2006 but remained active in ministry, serving as interim minister in several local churches. In addition, he taught adult Christian education classes and served as a Church Small Group leader.

A deeply patriotic man, Sam with Judy at his side visited more than 80 national parks, monuments, and historic sites throughout the United States. They also traveled internationally.

Sam loved the Lord with his whole heart and his whole soul and lived to share God’s message. He ended all correspondence with the same message that his family now extends to you: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Visitation, Tuesday, August 18, 2026, 4-6pm at the John N. Santeiu & Son, Inc., 1139 N. Inkster Road, Garden City (between Ford Road and Cherry Hill). In state Wednesday, August 19, 2026, 12pm noon until the 1pm Funeral Service at Dearborn Christian Fellowship, 21360 Donaldson Street, Dearborn (two blocks northeast of Outer Drive and one block southeast of Monroe Street).