Madera - Former Madera mayor Sam Armentrout (61) lost his battle with leukemia Wednesday night at a local hospital. Armentrout who was in his fifth term on the Madera City Council recently retired from the Madera Unified School District as the director of transportation/security.  A position he has held since 2005. Sam last served as Madera's mayor in 2009; holding the position three times since first being elected to the council in 1992.

Sam was a lifelong resident of Madera; he was a graduate of Madera High School class of 1968. Sam went on to receive his Associates of Arts Degree (AA) in Criminology. This degree led to a 20-year career as a member of the Madera Police Department Reserve Unit where he retired with the rank of Captain.

He was a veteran of the U. S. Navy, having served during the Vietnam era. Sam later went to work for Madera Irrigation District where he was employed for 29 years, retiring as a Maintenance Supervisor. He completed his working career at the Madera Unified School District as the Director of Transportation/Security. In the community,

With his position on the Madera City Council, he was involved in numerous public service organizations in the Central Valley. He belonged to the Madera Elks Lodge. In his leisure time he enjoyed golfing.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Susan Armentrout of Madera, his two daughters, Melissa Cole of Madera and Samantha Armentrout of Fresno. He is the brother of Jim Armentrout, Norma "June" Salas and Shirley Dilbeck all of Madera, Liz Smith of Bakersfield and Wilma Golding of San Ramon, and the grandfather of three.

Visitation will be held on: Monday, May 9, 2011 from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Jay Chapel, Madera, CA  Funeral Service will be held on: Tuesday, May 10, 2011, 10:00 AM at Fourth Street Church of God, Madera, CA Interment will follow at: Arbor Vitae Cemetery here in Madera

The Armentrout family suggests memorial contributions be sent to the donor's favorite charity.