Mason James Samp, 18, of Laramie, Wyoming, passed away Monday, November 2, 2026. He was born March 3, 2008, in Laramie to Mike Samp and Missy (Gingrich) Samp. He was the younger brother of Abbie and Jackson.
Mason attended Spring Creek Elementary School, where he participated in the gifted and talented education program. He continued to excel academically in middle school and high school, earning recognition as an honor student. He especially enjoyed his shop classes, which allowed him to develop valuable hands-on skills and offered opportunities to use his creativity and abilities to craft beautiful and practical pieces. Outside of the classroom, he learned the value of teamwork, built friendships, and experienced the camaraderie that came from participating in basketball, golf, and track.
Mason graduated from Laramie High School in May 2026. He chose to stay in Laramie to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Wyoming. From a young age, he was drawn to building and fixing things and was fascinated by how they worked, making his choice of major a natural fit.
An avid outdoorsman, Mason enjoyed hunting and fishing with his family and friends. He also enjoyed watching movies with his girlfriend, Katelyn, gaming with friends, building Lego sets, cheering on the Huskers, and spending time with his family and his four-legged buddy, Boone.
Most recently, he worked part time for Tradesmen of Wyoming, a local general contractor and homebuilder. He developed the skills to take a project from start to finish, doing everything from framing to finish work. He excelled at detail-oriented tasks, such as installing trim carpentry and tile.
Whether building one-of-a-kind furniture or helping to remodel a home, he demonstrated a strong work ethic. He was a reliable, responsible, resourceful, and respectful young man at home, in the classroom, and on the jobsite. He displayed a maturity beyond his 18 years.
Mason didn’t crave the spotlight or need to be the loudest voice, but his presence filled the room, bringing joy to those around him. Although he was naturally reserved, he had a fun-loving side. When his face lit up with a smile—as it often did—you couldn’t help but smile along with him.
Mason will be remembered for his kind heart, gentle spirit, creative mind, quick wit, calm presence, and quiet faith. His life reflected what the Apostle Paul wrote in Colossians 3:12: “Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and dearly loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”
Mason was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Kathy Gingrich, and his paternal grandparents, Rod Samp and Sharon Samp.
He is survived by his father, Mike; his mother, Missy; his sister, Abbie; his brother, Jackson; his maternal grandfather, Dennis Gingrich; his step-grandfather, Harv Domsalla; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, November 14, at 1 p.m. at Foundation Builders Community Center in Laramie with Cody Johnson officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Table in the Wilderness Ministries (www.tablecamp.org) or to The WYldlife Fund (www.thewyldlifefund.org). When making a gift, please mark your gift to be made in memory of Mason Samp. Gifts made to The WYldlife Fund will be dedicated to the Maury Brown Kids Fishing Day Fund.