Sam Junior Dunlap was born on March 6, 1939, in Haskell, Oklahoma, to Sam Valentine and Betty Marie Dunlap. He passed away peacefully at his home in Bristow on January 6, 2026, at the age of 86.

Sam grew up in the Haskell and Kellyville communities, graduating from Kellyville High School before attending Oklahoma State University. On September 5, 1959, he married the love of his life, Charlene Saul. Together they built a devoted partnership that spanned 66 years, welcoming three children—Chris, Kerry, and Paula—and creating a home filled with faith, hard work, and deep family bonds. Charlene preceded him in death on December 20, 2025.

Sam spent many years working for Amoco Corporation before becoming the owner and operator of Dunlap Oil Company. In 1968, he and Charlene settled in the Haskell area, where they lived until moving to Bristow in 2006. Sam was a faithful member of Bristow First Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon and found joy in fellowship and service.

A man of simple pleasures and steadfast loyalties, Sam enjoyed cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals and the Oklahoma Sooners, tending to his garden, and gathering with his family—moments that brought him his greatest happiness.

He is survived by his three children: Chris Dunlap and wife Terri; Kerry Dunlap and wife Brenda; and Paula Roberts and husband Bobby. He is also survived by his sister, Janice Ponder; six grandchildren—Jodi Dunlap, Lauren James, Chelsea Roberts, Sam Dunlap, Michelle Duffield, and Chris Michael Dunlap; and five great‑grandchildren—Kyson James, Kolby Browning, Keylee James, Savvy Dunlap, and Jack Duffield. Sam was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Charlene; grandson, Jesse Roberts, and his baby brother, Tommy Dunlap.