It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Samuel D. “Mr. Sam” Gillaspy, March 24, 1927–August 19, 2026.

In many ways, Mr. Sam was the face of the historic Arcadia Round Barn. For more than twenty years he brought the barn’s history to life with his big smile, boundless energy, cowboy hat and boots, and his gift for making every visitor feel welcome. Every Monday morning was Mr. Sam’s volunteer day, and as a dedicated docent and President Emeritus of the Arcadia Historical & Preservation Society, he shared the stories of the barn, the community, and Route 66 with visitors from around the world.