Sam E. Clagg
(November 14, 1920 - January 9, 2014)

Dr. Sam E. Clagg, 93, of Huntington, died January 9, 2014 in the Emogene Dolin Jones Hospice House. A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Sunday, January 12, 2014 in the MU Memorial Student Center (BE 5 multi-purpose room). The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m. prior to the service. Sam was born November 14, 1920 in Huntington, son of the late Frank and Louise Messenger Clagg. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his first wife, Frances "Punky" Steorts Clagg and one brother, Harry Clagg. Dr. Clagg had a substantial impact on Marshall's academics and athletics beginning with both football and wrestling as an athlete and coach. He later became a professor with degrees from Marshall and a Doctorate degree from the University of Kentucky. He retired from the Marshall University Geography Dept. He was a former interim president of Marshall, chairman of the Geography Dept, and former chairman and member of the MU Athletic Hall of Fame. He was also a published author, most notably of The Cam Henderson Story and The Marine Way. He served his country in the United States Marine Corp. of which he retired as a Lt. Colonel. Sam is survived by his wife of 14 years, Jerri West Clagg; one daughter, Carmen and husband Harold Watts of Huntington; two grandchildren, who both followed in his footsteps as educators; Kelly Ann and husband Matt Daniel and Shawn Watts all of Huntington; two step-children, Ronnie Burnette and David Burnette and wife, Tammy both of Chesapeake, OH and three special step-grandchildren, Andrea, Taylor, and Becky; and 1 step-great-grandson, Tanner. In lieu of flowers, contributions should be made to the Sam E. Clagg Endowed Scholarship (athletics) or the Sam E. Clagg Geography Dept. Scholarship (academics) both through Marshall University. It was expressed wishes that Dr. Clagg donated his body to the Marshall University School of Medicine. Klingel Carpenter Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.