Lazaros Samaras

Lazaros Samaras, beloved husband of Cindy Samaras, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, January 20, 2024, surrounded by his devoted family.

Lazaros was born in Nea Apollonia, Greece where he spent his childhood helping his father with his produce business and tending to the sheep. As a young child he would often camp in the pasture to watch over the sheep with just a bedroll, a little bread and cheese and his horse “Paraskevi” (Friday).

During his time in the military, he served in communications and would often get in trouble for not carrying his gun, because he would stuff sandwiches in his gun case.

After his military duty he became a first engineer on a cargo ship and traveled the world.

In 1967, Lazaros journeyed to the United States where he opened a produce stand in San Franscico. Fate led him to Yianni Popadakos, a lifelong friend, and a new career as a paint contractor.

His work took him from San Francisco to Reno, Nevada and eventually to Lenexa, Kansas where he met his wife, Cindy. They were married on June 16, 2000. They spent many years in Kansas before moving to Rolla.

Lazaros will be remembered for his unparalleled work ethic, his passion for excellent food and his love for traditional Greek music and dance. His vibrant spirit lives on through the memories he created with his family and friends.

In addition to his wife, Lazaros is survived by Cindy’s children, Marty King and his fiancée, Lindsay Davis of Arcata, CA, and Naomi West (nee King) and her husband David West of Wichita, KS.

Lazaros leaves behind a cherished legacy in his grandchildren: Nalani Massaro, Sidney West, Estella Massaro, Sadie West, Henry West, Oscar West and Myra West.

A Celebration of Life is being planned for the spring.

May he rest in peace and his memory be eternal.