Sam Pinter

Sam Pinter, age 93, of West, passed away late Monday evening, March 16, 2026 at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in Temple.

A Funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, 23, 2026 at Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Terry McElrath officiating. Military Graveside Rites will follow at Bold Springs Cemetery, conducted by the West Veterans Honor Guard. The family will receive visitors from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

Sam, a cherished member of the West community, was born November 9, 1932, in West, the son of Joseph Alexander and Rosebud Bertha "Rosie" (Cinek) Pinter. He was a proud 1951 graduate of West High School. Sam married Joyce Marie Hill on October 4, 1952, in Waco. Sam and Joyce shared a beautiful life together until her passing on November 19, 2007. He served honorably with the United States Air Force as an aircraft mechanic during the Korean War, working at Enewetak Atoll in the Marshall Islands and at Indian Springs, Nevada, in support of hydrogen bomb testing for the Atomic Research and Development Command. He returned home as an Airman First Class in 1956 and became a dedicated member of the National Association of Atomic Veterans. Sam then followed his passion for cutting hair by attending The Barber College in Dallas. In 1961, Sam opened Sam's Barber Shop in West, where he would spend nearly six decades cutting hair before retiring in 2020. He took pride in his work and built lasting relationships with many customers who became friends over the years. Beyond the barber shop, Sam had a passion for music and was an incredible musician. He played lead guitar and electric bass with several bands, including The Central Texas Playboys, The Lone Star Playboys, and Bob and The Musical Plowboys. They brought joy to many at local nightclubs like The Night Owl and The Yellow Dog, and even shared the stage with legends such as Willie Nelson during the KHBR Radio Shows. Sam loved tending to Pinter's Ranch, working with his tractors, and taking joy rides on his Kubota. He cherished family gatherings at the ranch, and of course, savoring plenty of good food.

Sam is also preceded in death by his parents; a son, Sammy Pinter; a daughter, Patsy Barnes; and a sister, Patsy Morgan.

Survivors include his daughter, Deborah "Debbie" Polansky and husband Freddie; daughter-in-law, Kathy Pinter of Arlington; his grandchildren, Jason Pinter and Alana Braudaway, Cory Pinter, Tameka Thomas and husband Marlin, Teanna Roland, Andrea Olschowka and husband Jason, Daniel Barnes, Jacob Polansky and wife Allie, and Colton Polansky; great grandchildren, Kierra, Keenen, Mikaya, Alora, Justin, David, Braylon, Zane, Mianna, Zackary, Scarlett, Michael, Victoria, and Lola; great great grandchildren, Bailey, Zayden, Kaysen, P. J., Jr., Hendrix, Kyhlin, Aria, Caden, and Saya; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Pallbearers are Marlin Thomas, Michael "Red" Leach, Jason Pinter, Cory Pinter, Daniel Barnes, Jacob Polansky, Keenen Roland, Colton Polansky.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to West Veterans Honor Guard, West Volunteer Ambulance Association, or Tokio Baptist Church.