Frederick Eugene Samson Jr.

Mr. Samson died Thursday, April 15, 2004, at his home. He was cremated.

He was born Aug. 16, 1918, in Medford, Mass., the son of Frederick Eugene Sr. and Annie Belle Pratt Samson. He earned a doctor of osteopathy degree from Massachusetts College of Osteopathy in 1940. He earned a doctorate from the University of Chicago in 1952.

Mr. Samson served as a staff sergeant in the U.S. Army Medical Corps from 1941 to 1945 in the South Pacific Islands, including Guadalcanal. He was an assistant professor at Kansas University Medical Center from 1952 to 1957 and associate professor at the center from 1957 to 1962.

He was chairman and professor of biochemistry and physiology from 1962 to 1969 and chairman and professor of physiology and cell biology from 1968 to 1973 at Kansas University.

From 1973 to 1989 he was director of the Ralph L. Smith Center for Mental Retardation and Human Development at the Med Center and became a professor emeritus in 1989. He was an internationally recognized neuroscientist and served on several boards and committees.

Survivors include his wife, Camila Samson; three daughters, Cecile Folkerts, Julie Thompson and Renee Overton; a sister, Bernice Rice; five grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

The family suggests memorials to Heartland Hospice, 4225 Baltimore Ave., Kansas City MO, 64111; or to the Fred Samson Lectureship, sent in care of the KU Endowment Association.

Heartland Cremation and Burial Society in Kansas City, Mo., is in charge of arrangements.